Carefully pick over rice and lentil to remove any stones. Wash each separately in at least 2 changes of water.

Warm the ghee in a medium sized saucepan

Add the spice mixture and sauté for one to two minutes.

Add rice and lentil and sauté for a further couple of minutes.

Then add 6 cups of water and bring to the boil.

Once boiling reduce the heat to a medium-low. Cover and cook until it is tender (approx.30-40 minutes). If you are adding vegetables to the dishi, add the longer cooking vegetables such as carrots and beets halfway through the cooking. Add the vegetables that cook faster such as leafy greens near the end.

N.B Add more water if needed. Typically, kitchari is the consistency of a vegetable stew as opposed to a broth. Garnish with fresh coriander and add salt to taste (optional).