As Kapha season surrounds us with elements of stability, but also a hint of stagnation if the Kapha is vitiated, diet comes to the fore as we aim to remain balanced, warm and vibrant through this season of slowdown leading to new beginnings in the spring. In keeping with Ayurvedic guidance on eating seasonally, fresh and to balance the influence of the prevailing seasonal dosha – we bring you 3 easy kapha-balancing ayurvedic recipes that will you strong, energized and focused this winter. These are healthy winter recipes that not only taste great but also promote overall wellness.
Practice mindful eating to fully enjoy and nourish your body with these kapha-balancing Ayurvedic recipes for winter wellness.
Here are a few ideas to get you through the week.
1
WARMING VEGETABLE RAGOUT (SERVES 2)
Ingredients
- 1 large onion – cut into wedges
- 1 medium turnip
- 2 medium carrots
- 1 medium beetroot
- ½ cup vegetable stock
- Spices: 1 tsp. curry powder, cinnamon (pinch), turmeric (pinch)
- Parsley leaves and lemon zest (for garnish)
- Ghee (clarified butter), mustard oil, and unsalted butter
- Salt & pepper
Directions
- Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees F
- Heat ghee in a large skillet and cook the onions until golden brown
- Peel and chop the turnip, carrots, and beetroot into ½-inch cubes and toss with half a teaspoon each of ghee and mustard oil. Place on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender
- Add the roasted vegetables into the skillet, adding vegetable stock, spices, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are thoroughly coated
- Garnish with parsley and lemon zest
Optional: Pick cornbread for your choice of carb for its kapha-moderating properties!
2
CARROT PROBIOTIC DRINK (8 SERVINGS)
Ingredients
- 5-6 medium carrots
- 2 medium beetroots
- 8 cups of filtered water
- Chili powder
- Mustard powder
- Black salt, to taste
Directions
- Thoroughly rinse and peel the carrots and beetroot
- Sliver the carrots and beetroot into 1-inch long pieces
- Mix all the ingredients together in a glass or ceramic jar, and cover with a lid or muslin cloth
- Leave the jar in the sun for 3-4 days, stirring the jar every day with a clean wooden spoon and covering it back up after stirring
- The fermentation should lend a sour taste to the mix, which should be ready to drink in 3-4 days
- Consume within 1-2 days of making for a great digestive boost and kapha-pacifying goodness! For an added bonus, consider incorporating natural immunity boosters into this carrot probiotic drink recipe for extra health benefits
3
SLOW-COOKER RECIPE: MUSTARD AND TURNIP GREENS (4-5 SERVINGS)
Ingredients
- 3-4 lb. mustard greens (the world’s healthiest greens according to Whole Foods!) – sub kale if not available
- 3 medium turnips, peeled and quartered
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- Spices: ½ tsp. turmeric, chili powder, salt & pepper (to taste)
- Ginger, 2-inch, chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, chopped
- 7-8 garlic cloves, chopped
Directions
- Drain the greens and add to slow cooker with stock, ginger, jalapeno, garlic and spices
- Garnish with parsley leaves and serve
