What are considered 'Kitniyos' that are prohibited during Passover by Halacha?

During Passover, the concept of 'Kitniyos' refers specifically to a category of foods that are typically not consumed by Ashkenazi Jews during the festival. This includes corn, soy, rice, beans, lentils, and peanuts. The prohibition arises from the concern that these items could be confused with chametz, which are leavened products made from the five grains—wheat, barley, oats, rye, and spelt—that are explicitly forbidden during Passover.

The rationale behind avoiding Kitniyos is based on historical practices and customs that distinguish between various types of grains and legumes. While the five grains are prohibited outright, Kitniyos were not universally banned for all Jewish communities; the Ashkenazi tradition holds this restriction, whereas Sephardic Jews often consume Kitniyos during Passover. Therefore, understanding the cultural and religious context is essential for recognizing why this particular grouping of foods is singled out during the holiday.