How to Strengthen Your Kitchen’s Ayurvedic Power

With fire, agni, so central to Ayurvedic principles, it may indeed be that the true heart of Ayurveda is the hearth. When set up properly, your kitchen can be the source of great healing medicine. Here are 4 everyday recipes to strengthen your kitchen’s ayurvedic power.

1. Ghee

• 1 lb. unsalted Butter

Heat the butter in a pot for about 15-20 minutes on medium heat. Once the ghee is transparent and there is a brown sediment on the bottom of the pan, it is ready. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Strain through a stainless strainer or a cheesecloth into a thick glass jar. Store at room temperature.

2. Spicy Oil

• 1 cup Oil (canola/sunflower/vegetable)
• 2 tbs. Mustard seeds
• 1 tbs. Cumin seeds
• 1 tbs. Hing (asafoetida)
• 1 tbs. Turmeric

Heat the oil in a pan. Add 2-3 mustard seeds to oil while heating. When the seeds begin to pop remove pan from heat, add the remaining seeds and cover. When the seeds stop popping add cumin, hing and turmeric. Allow the oil to cool for 5 minutes, then pour it into a thick glass jar and store at room temperature.

3. Apple Chutney

• 1 Granny Smith Apple, diced
• 1 tbs. Salt
• 1 tbs. Jaggery (Sucanat)
• ½ tsp. chili powder
• 1-2 tbs. Spicy Oil

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Enjoy with Kichari, as a condiment with any meal, or even as a sandwich spread.

4. Cucumber Raita

• 2 Cucumbers, peeled and chopped
• 1 medium Carrot, shredded
• 1 cup Yogurt, plain
• 1 tbs. Cilantro
• Salt to taste
• 1 Jalapeno Pepper, sliced very thin the long way, seeds removed

Mix all ingredients together except cilantro. Garnish with cilantro and chili just before serving.

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References:

These last three everyday basics are inspired by Dr. Jay Apte, Doctor of Ayurvedic Medicine, Director of the Kerala Ayurveda Academy, a charming teacher and a wonderful cook! With gratitude and Pranams to all my teachers, always.

Bri Maya Tiwari – http://www.wiseearth.com/bri_maya/index.html
Dr. Jay Apte – http://ayurfoods.com/about-Dr-JayApte.php

RECIPE: Non-Fat Cleansing Kitchari

During an Ayurvedic Cleanse, we use a non-fat kitchari recipe that supports the body’s transition into fat metabolism and detoxification.

This recipe can also be used for short periods of kitchari mono-diet programs to give the digestive system a chance to rest and heal.

Kitchari is made from white basmati rice and split yellow mung dal. Unlike other beans, mung is free of virtually all “flatulence factors” so it won’t cause gas. White basmati rice is used because it is the easiest to digest. Together, they create a tasty filling complete food to help restore your health.

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