Instant Pot Sweet Potato Kitchari

This can be modified to use various favorite veggies and more or less spices. Kitchari is one of the most healing foods of Ayurveda. It is prized for its easy digest-ability. Topping with good fats creates a nervine effect that tonifies our nervous systems.

This is the dish that I advise all families to make in the postpartum period for its ease, affordability, and soothing capabilities. A great meal to make at a home birth to feed the mom and the birth team in the immediate postpartum period.

Ingredients

1 cup mung beans or red lentils

1 cup rice (I love sushi rice for its extra stickiness)

1 onion chopped

2 cloves garlic diced

1 sweet potato cubed

1/2 tsp curry powder

1/2 tsp cumin powder

4 cups broth of choice

salt to taste

olive oil, coconut oil, butter or ghee

Instructions

1. In the instant pot, place sauté mode on and lay down a good amount of olive oil, ghee or butter.

2. Add 2 cups of baby spinach into the Instant Pot too.

3. Place the chopped onion and garlic in and wait until soft and tender.

4. Add in sweet potato and spices.

5. Add in rice and mung beans or lentils.

6. Add in broth of choice.

7. Close lid and put on high pressure for 16 minutes.

8. When done, open lid and voila. A beautiful cooked meal ready to eat.

Optional: Add 1/2 tsp turmeric powder and 1/4 tsp mustard seed.

Optional: Top with sautéed greens and pumpkin seeds and a drizzle of olive oil or ghee for a deeply satisfying meal.