All posts tagged rtucharya

Easy & Light Spiced Chickpea Recipe

1 cup chana dal (dried chick-peas)
1 teaspoon salt
5 cup water; plus
2 tbsp ghee (clairifed butter)
1 teaspoon cumin seed
1 medium chopped onion
1 tablespoon fresh ginger root; scraped, finely chopped
1/2 tsp each of turmeric, ground cumin ground coriander, garam masala
1/4 tsp red chilli powder
2 tbsp freshly chopped coriander leaves

Thoroughly wash the chick-peas under cold and soak overnight for 12 hours uncovered with 5cm water at top. Drain the chick-peas, place them in a heavy saucepan, with salt and 4 cups of the water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then cover the pan, and simmer over a low heat for 1 hour.

In a separate saucepan, heat the ghee over high heat and add the cumin seeds and stir for 30 seconds, then add the onions and ginger. Lower the heat to medium and constantly stir for approx 7/8 minutes, until the onions are soft and golden brown. Do not let onions burn.
Stir in the all the ground spices with 2 tablespoon of water, and fry for 1 minute. Then add the chick-peas their cooking liquid and add 1 cup of water (as necessary). Bring to a boil over high heat and stir constantly, cover the pan and simmer for about 25 minutes on a low heat, or until the chick-peas are tender but still whole. Garnish with chopped coriander leaves and serve with rice.

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New Year, New Ayurvedic Outlook

So we are well into the new year and so many of us made a resolution to start a ‘detox’, lose the holiday weight, stop drinking and get back into the gym. How many of us actually last past the first few weeks or even the first few days? So many people fail to complete a detoxifcation cleanse in January as it does not fit in with their lifestyle, they are not mentally prepared and lets face it, there’s still plenty of indulgences lurking in the cupboards. But do not fear all is not doom and gloom, changing diets drastically during the winter months is not conducive to our overall health and according to Ayurveda the ideal time to go through a detoxification programme is in Spring time, so plenty of time to plan and prepare.

Ayurvedic advocates following a seasonal regime to support our well being, we are in the hemanta and shishira months (December to March) and our Agni (digestive fire) is at its strongest during these months, hence the tendency to feel increased hunger. The quest to lose weight can have an adverse affect on our metabolism at this time as we starve our body of essential nutrients.

Without radical dieting, we can adopt methods to pacify winter ailments such as fatigue, mental confusion, digestive problems, aches, pains and persistent cold while giving ourselves time to prepare for a deeper cleanse and weight loss in a more suitable season. Winter is essentially a vata and kapha period and a vata pacifying diet is most suitable.

Avoid the causative factors such as refined sugars, fried, leftover or cold foods saturated fats, and heavy dairy.
Eat foods that are naturally sweet, sour and salty by taste to help pacify vata dosha, such as soups, stews, hot teas and stewed fruits.
Favour foods that are wholesome and easy to digest including, carrots, tomatoes, figs, dates, cane sugar, nuts, seeds, seasonal root vegetables, wheat, gram flour, rice barley, rye, milk products, edible oils such as ghee and olive oil
Immunity is connected to digestion and when digestion is strong then immunity is robust, so drink warm/hot water and digestion enhancing spices such as ginger, cumin, coriander, cardamom and cinnamon. Strengthen your immune system with chywanprash, a jam packed full of immune boosting herbs.
Good news, Ayurveda says that a glass of warmed red wine can be and beneficial in winter, you can warm with cinnamon, cardamom, clove, ginger, fennel, nutmeg and black pepper
Opt for regular massage and hot or steam bath
Arise at 7am and take plenty of exercise to keep lymph moving and prevent congestion,
sexual activity is encouraged
Wear warm clothing of cottons, silks and wools.
Take exposure to sun when possible
Engage in calming meditation

Following a more natural regime will ensure that the body is able to cope with a detox and expel the toxins out of the body more effectively. Consult a practitioner for one to one guidance on your constitution and a personalised detox plan for the Spring.

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Stay cool this summer

As we enter the height of the summer period, the pitta season, it is important to adapt our diet and lifestyle so we can keep our dosha in balance and enjoy the summer sun. Opposites are cure for opposites and therefore keeping in balance with nature will ensure that we are synchronised with our environment.

Digestion is not as strong in the summer months and therefore it is best to opt for a light and easy to digest foods. Pitta is naturally increased especially in dominant people naturally due to the rise in heat. A pitta pacifying diet is most suitable with foods that are naturally sweet or bitter. These foods can include: asparagus, broccoli, artichoke, cucumber, green beans, courgettes, carrots, bitter gourd, bell peppers, kale, coconut, ghee, plums, pears, sweet grapes, figs, dates, melon, barley, cous cous, spelt, rice, all lentils. Avoid excess of nuts, heavy meats, salty, sour and pungent foods such as chillies, pickles, alcohol, fermented or fried foods.

During the summers months it is advisable to engage in calming activities such as walks in nature, and calming exercise such as yoga, tai chi, walking or swimming. Keep a cool and calm mind and take up the practice of regular meditation. Nurture yourself with a daily self massage, listen to calming music, eating is a peaceful environment. Wear gems and stones that have cooling properties such as moonstone, pearl, sapphire.

Protect yourself from the heat by wearing loose cotton clothing, protective sunglasses. Drink lots of room temperature water or lassi with some ground cumin for a refreshing and cool day drink.

Herbs that can be taken to reduce aggravated pitta can include: coriander, cilantro, cardamom, fennel, cumin, dill, mint, rose water, saffron.