Ahara (food) in Ayurveda is essential to our everyday health and well-being.

What to eat is a choice we make multiple times a day and what we put into our bodies influences our mental clarity, emotional stability, hormonal balance, and longevity.

When we choose to eat whole foods according to our Dosha, the Ayurvedic mind-body types, the seasons, and with reverence, we cultivate a connection to our optimal health and highest good. You are what you eat!

This winter season, explore these nourishing and delicious recipes. Remember to infuse your meals with love and gratitude, being present when you eat, and acknowledging the power of this healing offering.

“Let food be thy medicine, and let medicine be thy food.” ~ (Probably Not) Hippocrates

Dahl Recipe:

This is my favorite soup to make! Made from lentils containing B-vitamins, protein, healthy oil, high fiber, iron, sustained energy, stabilizing blood sugar, and delicious spices to improve your digestion.

Recipe

>> 1 tsp brown mustard seeds, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, and coriander seeds

>> 1 tbsp cumin powder

>> 1 tbsp coriander powder

>> 1 tsp turmeric powder

>> 1 tsp fenugreek powder

>> ½ tsp asafoetida powder

>> ½ tsp black pepper powder

>> 2 cups red lentils or yellow lentils (mung dahl), soak and rinse beforehand

>> 6 cups water

>> 2 tbsp oil: coconut, avocado, or olive

>> 1/2 tsp sea salt and salt to taste

>> 1 tbsp fresh minced ginger

>> 1-2 cups vegetables: yams, sweet potatoes, squash, leeks, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, chard, spinach

Directions

1. First, dry roast seeds in a large soup pot (no oil or water) on medium heat until they pop, then add the powdered herbs and oil stirring for two minutes.

2. Next, add water and lentils, bring to a boil, then turn to medium-low heat.

3. Once it reaches boiling, add ginger and veggies according to cooking time. For example, yams first, next carrots and broccoli, then last the leafy greens.

4. Cooking time: 30 minutes.

5. Serve this delicious soup with a plate of rice, quinoa, or on its own.

Kheer (Indian Rice Pudding):

The perfect winter dish! Try this warm, delicious, and nutritious treat during the holiday season.

Recipe

>> 4 cups whole milk or use coconut, almond, oat as alternatives

>> 1/4 cup water

>> 1/4 cup white basmati rice

>> 2 tbsp organic cane sugar or coconut sugar

>> add pinch of cardamom, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger powder

Optional toppings

>> add four strands of saffron threads

>> 1 tbsp slivered almonds, unsalted pistachios, and golden raisins

>> 1/4 tsp edible rose water

Directions

1. First, soak rice in water overnight or for 30 minutes, then strain and rinse.

2. Add milk, water, spices, and sweetener in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium/low.

3. Next, add the rice. Simmer for 20-30 minutes until rice is cooked, stirring every five minutes.

4. Turn off heat and let cool and add additional toppings to serve.

Golden Milk

Try this warm, healing tonic, perfect for the winter season!

Recipe

>> 1 cup milk (cow, coconut, hemp, oat)

>> 1/8 tsp nutmeg, ginger, cardamom

>> 1/2 tsp turmeric, cinnamon

>> 1 tsp ghee or coconut oil

>> 1 tsp honey

Directions

1. First warm milk in a pan on medium heat and add all ingredients except honey.

2. Then turn off the heat and add honey.

3. Enjoy one hour before bed, serve warm/hot.

Food is a daily celebration, inviting in nutrients and nourishment, assisting in our incredible capacity to regenerate our tissues, heal our bodies, and thrive every day!

Enjoy!

~