Ayurvedic Food Principles

Clinic Ayurveda
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According to Ayurveda, the best way to cook vegetables is to saute them in ghee with spices. By first sauteing the spices in ghee the volatile oils of the spices are drawn out into the ghee. These spices have therapeutic value. Turmeric, for example, has been found to he an antioxidant. and other spices such as cumin and coriander help with digestion and assimilation. The spices cook into the vegetables and act as carriers, transferring nutrition from the vegetables into the bloodstream as we consume them. They also make the food taste aromatic and delicious.

First gently fry the spices in the ghee, taking care not to burn them. Add the chopped raw vegetables to the spice mixture and stir so that all the spices are mixed with the vegetables. Add a couple of spoonfuls of water to prevent sticking. Cover and cook on low heat until the vegetables are well cooked. Not mushy, but just "fork friendly". Add salt to taste at the end and some fresh cilantro leaves for garnish.

Ghee is considered a beneficial oil in Ayurveda. According to traditional Ayurvedic texts, it is a rasayana, good for overall well-being and longevity. Modern research shows that it is an antioxidant and contains beta-carotene. Since the milk solids have been removed, ghee docs not spoil easily like vegetable oils do. If you are on a weight loss program, limit your intake of ghee or oil to judicious amounts.

The dahl should be spiced using the same process of sauteing the spices in the ghee first. But the ghee-spicc mixture should be added to the dahl at the end, when the dahl is finished cooking. (See recipe)

Lassi (yogurt drink) is a digestive aid tor the afternoon meal. (It is not recommended in the evening.) Sweet lassi is a drink made from fresh yogurt, water, rose water, and sweetener. Fresh organic yogurt is full of fresh lactobacilli, necessary for a well-functioning digestive tract. When made into a drink it is useful to reduce bloating and allows the digestion of the lunch to he smoother. Plus it adds nutrition and the sweet taste. It is worthwhile getting a yogurt maker to make your own yogurt. The yogurt purchased from grocery stores is sour and docs not contain the lively bacteria freshly made yogurt does.

Chapatis, or flalbreads add the sweet taste. 1 hey arc made Irom wheat flour and are energy-enhancing foods. They are time consuming to make at home but if you can invest the time and the effort they are worth it because they taste much better than store-bought ones. You can purchase organic chapatis at most health food stores if time docs not allow the homemade ones. However, if you do buy them rcadymade make sure you heat them before serving.

Chutneys are usually combinations of spices and cooked fruits. They aid in digestion and add variety, taste and interest to the meal. Keep a few of them stocked in your refrigerator to add some quick variety to your meals.

With practice, a meal that includes grains, beans or lentils, vegetables and the yoghurt drink should only take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 25 minutes to cook. You will enjoy a home-cooked ayurvedic meal that is wholesome, nutritious, balanced and fresh.

Article by Maharishi Ayurveda (MAV).