Kwati

Kwāti is a cherished traditional dish from Nepal, celebrated for its hearty and nutritious qualities. This mixed bean soup is made from nine different types of sprouted beans and is especially enjoyed during the festival of Gun Punhi. This festival takes place on the full moon day of Gunlā, the tenth month of the Nepal Era lunar calendar, which usually falls in August.

Kwāti isn't just a delicious dish; it's also replete with health benefits. It is believed to help alleviate colds and coughs and is often recommended for women during maternity leave due to its high protein content.

Gun Punhi coincides with the Hindu festival of Janāi Purnimā, also known as Raksha Bandhan, celebrated in the month of Shravan.

To make Kwāti, you need nine types of beans: black gram, green gram, chickpea, field bean, soybean, field pea, garden pea, cowpea, and rice bean. These beans are soaked in water until they sprout, then boiled with a blend of spices to create a thick, flavorful soup. A distinctive component is the inclusion of ajwain seeds, which are tempered in oil to enhance the seasoning. Some variations of Kwāti include adding pieces of flatbread to the soup during boiling, enriching its texture and flavor.