3 Ayurvedic Recipes for a Balanced and Nourishing Diet

Ayurveda is an ancient system of health and wellness that emphasizes the importance of a balanced and nourishing diet in promoting physical, mental, and spiritual health. In Ayurveda, food is seen as medicine, and the right combination of ingredients can help to restore balance and promote vitality in the body. Here are three Ayurvedic recipes that are easy to make, delicious, and packed with nutrients to help you achieve optimal health and well-being.

The Easy 3: Kitchari, Golden Milk and Chai Tea

Kitchari, Golden Milk, and Chai Tea are all considered Ayurvedic foods because they are made with ingredients that are believed to promote balance and health in the body according to Ayurvedic principles. Kitchari is a complete meal made with rice, lentils, vegetables, and spices that is known for its cleansing and detoxifying properties. Golden Milk is a beverage made with turmeric, milk, and other warming spices that is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Chai Tea is a beverage made with black tea, milk, and spices that is known for its warming and digestive properties. These foods are often used in Ayurveda as part of a holistic approach to promoting health and wellness.

Kitchari

Kitchari is a classic Ayurvedic dish that is considered to be a complete meal in itself. It is made with a combination of rice, lentils, vegetables, and spices, and is known for its cleansing and detoxifying properties. Here’s a simple recipe for Kitchari:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1/2 cup yellow split mung beans
• 2 tablespoons ghee or coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups chopped vegetables (such as carrots, zucchini, or spinach)

Instructions:

1. Rinse the rice and mung beans in a fine mesh strainer and soak in water for at least 30 minutes.
2. Heat the ghee or coconut oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and mustard seeds and cook until they begin to pop.
3. Add the turmeric, coriander, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, and salt and stir to combine.
4. Drain the rice and mung beans and add them to the pot. Stir to coat the grains with the spices.
5. Add the water and chopped vegetables and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice and beans are fully cooked and the mixture has a porridge-like consistency.
7. Serve hot and garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.

Golden Milk

Golden Milk is a popular Ayurvedic beverage that is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. It is made with a combination of turmeric, milk, and other warming spices. Here’s a simple recipe for Golden Milk:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small pot, heat the milk over medium heat until it begins to steam.
2. Add the turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, and black pepper and whisk to combine.
3. Continue to heat the mixture until it is fully combined and hot.
4. Remove from heat and add honey, if desired.
5. Pour into a mug and enjoy immediately.

Chai Tea

Chai tea is a classic Ayurvedic beverage that is known for its warming and digestive properties. It is made with a combination of black tea, milk, and spices, and is often served with honey or sugar. Here’s a simple recipe for Chai Tea:

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 4 black tea bags
• 2 cups milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4 whole cloves
• 4 cardamom pods
• 1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
• 1-2 tablespoons honey or sugar, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, bring the water to a boil.
2. Add the tea bags, cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, and ginger, and reduce heat to low.
3. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture is fragrant and the tea is fully steeped.
4. Add the milk and honey or sugar, and stir to combine.
5. Heat the mixture until it is fully combined and hot, but be careful not to boil the milk.
6. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer and serve hot.

Conclusion

Incorporating Ayurvedic recipes into your diet can be a powerful way to promote balance, health, and well-being. Whether you’re looking for a cleansing and detoxifying meal like Kitchari, an immune-boosting beverage like Golden Milk, or a warming and digestive beverage like Chai Tea, these recipes are easy to make and packed with nutrients. So try incorporating some of these Ayurvedic recipes into your daily diet and see how they can help you achieve optimal health and vitality.