Kitchari-Inspired Chicken Soup
When the temperatures drop and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, nourishing bowl of soup. This Kitchari-Inspired Chicken Soup combines the Ayurvedic wisdom of kitchari—a traditional one-pot meal—with the familiar coziness of chicken soup.
It’s packed with grounding, easy-to-digest ingredients like butternut squash, basmati rice, and warming spices, making it the perfect dish to balance Vata energy during fall and winter. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner or a soothing reset meal, this soup will warm your body, nourish your soul, and keep you feeling balanced all season long.
Customize it with shredded chicken for added protein or enjoy it as a vegetarian option with vegetable broth—it’s as versatile as it is delicious!
Why this recipe is good for us:
1. Butternut Squash or Sweet Potato
Why it’s great for Vata season:
These root vegetables are naturally sweet, grounding, and easy to digest. The sweet taste and heavy quality help balance Vata's light, dry, and mobile nature, while the moisture content hydrates and soothes dryness in the body. Their high nutrient content, including vitamins A and C, supports immunity—a bonus for the colder months.
2. Ghee
Why it’s great for Vata season:
Ghee is deeply nourishing, unctuous (oily), and grounding—all qualities that directly pacify Vata’s dry and airy tendencies. It lubricates the joints, supports digestion by stoking Agni (digestive fire), and enhances the absorption of spices and nutrients. A small amount of ghee can go a long way in keeping your body and mind balanced in colder weather.
3. Cumin Seeds
Why it’s great for Vata season:
Cumin seeds are warming and aromatic, which helps ignite sluggish digestion—a common issue during Vata season. Their carminative properties reduce gas and bloating, making heavy meals easier to digest. They also have a grounding energy that keeps Vata’s mobility in check while enhancing the overall flavor profile of the soup.
These ingredients work together to create a meal that not only tastes delicious but also supports your body in feeling grounded, warm, and balanced during the chilly, airy months of Vata season.
Kitchari-Inspired Chicken Soup
This isn’t just a soup—it’s a cozy bowl of nourishment. Inspired by Ayurvedic kitchari, it’s warming, easy on digestion, and customizable with chicken for added protein.
Servings: 4-6
Total Cook Time: 40-50 minutes (Prep: 10-15 minutes, Cook: 30-35 minutes)
Ingredients:
½ cup basmati rice
½ cup yellow mung dal (soaked overnight)
1 tbsp ghee or coconut oil
1 tsp cumin seeds
½ tsp turmeric
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp ginger powder (or fresh grated ginger)
1 medium sweet onion chopped
6 cups chicken broth (or veggie broth)
1 cup cubed butternut squash or sweet potato
½ cup diced carrots
½ cup diced celery
1-2 cups shredded cooked chicken (optional)
½ salt and to taste
Optional: fresh cilantro, lemon juice
Instructions:
Rinse rice and mung dal until the water runs clear.
Heat ghee in a pot, add cumin seeds, and let them pop. Stir in turmeric, black pepper, and ginger.
Add the onion and ½ tsp of salt and saute until the onion begins to sweat.
Add rice and mung dal, stirring to coat. Pour in broth and bring to a boil.
Add squash, carrots, and celery. Simmer until tender (20–30 minutes).
Stir in cooked chicken (if using) and warm through.
Check for seasoning, adding more salt if necessary
Serve with cilantro and a squeeze of lemon.
Warm, nourishing, and perfect for a winter night.
