Tridosha Kichadi

Kichadi means a mixed up all in one pot meal.  this dish combines the rice and dal along with some veg and nice yummy things for one easy, comforting everyday dish. 

at Ayurveda's core are the three doshas or body types – Vita, Pitta and Kapha.  knowing your dosha and how to feed your body chemistry is the basis of food as medicine.  Each food can be aggravating, calming or neutral where each dosha is concerned.  some foods like this Kichadi, are known as Tridoshic, and are so well balanced, and is ideal for all body types. 

2 tablespoons sesame oil
(spices adjust to taste)
1- 1-1/2 tablespoon cumin seeds
1 finger joint of minced fresh ginger root,  or powder to taste
1- 2 teaspoons curry powder to taste
1/4 red chilli powder or to taste
1 - 1-1/2 tablespoon amchoor (mango powder)
1/4 tsp Hing or minced garlic to taste

1/2 cup yellow split mung dal
1 cup basmati or jasmine (long grain white or brown) rice 
1- 1/2 cup diced potatoes (1/2" cubes)
1 medium purple onion diced finely
1- 4 small hot green pepper(s), chopped fine
1/4 cup dry roasted peanuts

8 cups water
1 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt or sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

1- 3 heaping tablespoon(s) unsweetened dessicated coconut
cilantro coarsely chopped

PREP: 
Grab - your trusty pressure cooker!  yah!
Dry roast - the peanuts
Rinse -  the dal very well and pick out any stones.  no pre-soaking needed if you use a pressure cooker.  if you are using a normal pot, you may want to soak 4 hours to reduce cooking time/ gas or electric use.
Wash - and chop all the vegetables and prep the spices - we will add them rather quickly
AT THE STOVE:
Heat - 1 tablespoon oil in the pressure cooker.
Add -  spices in order given above and saute while the cumin sputters for seconds over low heat
Add -  split mung and rice and saute for 2 minutes.
Add -  vegetables and peanuts and stir another minute or two.
Add - water, salt and pepper
Bring to a Boil - on high heat for only a moment
Seal the pressure cooker and reduce heat to medium-low.
Listen - for 3 whistles
Wait - for the pressure to release the lid
Add - coconut and give a slight stir

Garnish - with the cilantro leaves and more coconut, crushed roasted peanuts if desired  - YUM!