Vata Balancing Recipes
Warm OATs porridge
Warm porridge is a simple, warm dish made from grains (like oats, rice, quinoa, barley) cooked in water or milk until they become soft and creamy. Porridge is often enjoyed as a breakfast meal and can be sweetened with dates, honey or not.
According to Ayurveda, warm porridge offers several benefits:
Easy Digestion: Warm, cooked foods are gentler on the digestive system and easier to digest, making them ideal for those with weak digestion.
Balancing Doshas: Ayurveda categorizes people into different body types or doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha). Warm porridge helps balance these doshas, particularly Vata and Kapha, by providing grounding and nourishing qualities.
Nutritional Value: Porridge is rich in essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health and well-being.
Soothing and Comforting: Warm foods have a calming effect on the body and mind, promoting a sense of comfort and relaxation.
Hydration: Cooking grains in water or milk helps maintain hydration levels, which is especially beneficial during colder months
Warm porridge is grounding and easy to digest, making it perfect as a Vata balancing breakfast.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup rolled oats or any other grains.
1 cup water or milk (dairy, almond, or coconut)
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
1/4 tsp cardamom powder
A pinch of nutmeg
A pinch of nutmeg
1 tbsp ghee or coconut oil
1 tbsp chopped dates
Instructions:
In a saucepan, combine the cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, salt, and ghee or coconut oil.
let simmer for 30 seconds then, add the milk or water, the oats.
Bring to a boil, keep stirring until the oats become smooth. then reduce the heat and let it simmer.
Cook for 2 minutes until the oats are soft and the porridge reaches your desired consistency.
Stir in the chopped dates.
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Enjoy warm.
Warm Rice porridge
Here’s another porridge recipe with rice, but it can be done with other grains like quinoa, barley, amaranth or more.
For this rice porridge you will need:
1 cup white basmati rice
2cups water and 2 cups of milk
1 tbsp ghee
1 tsp ground cardamom
1 tsp ground cinnamon
A pinch of ground nutmeg
1-2 tsp raw honey or jaggery (to taste)
A pinch of Himalayan pink salt
Instructions:
Rinse the Rice: Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch.
Cook the Rice: In a large saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is soft and the liquid is absorbed (about 15 minutes).
Add Ghee and Spices: Once the rice is cooked, take another pot add the ghee, salt, ground cardamom, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Stir well to combine and allow the spices to infuse then add the cooked rice and the milk. Bring the rice to a boil for 5 minutes.
Sweeten and Flavor: Stir in the raw honey or jaggery to taste if desired.
Finish with Cinnamon: Add a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the flavors.
Serve Warm: Serve the warm rice porridge in bowls, garnished with additional spices or a drizzle of honey if desired.
Tips:
Milk Alternatives: You can use almond milk or coconut milk for a different flavor and additional health benefits.
Enjoy your Vata balancing porridge breakfast.
Cooked Spiced Apple Compote
This warm, spiced apple compote can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping for porridge. This is another Vata balancing recipes
Ingredients:
2 apples, peeled, cored, and diced
1 tbsp ghee or coconut oil
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
1/4 tsp ginger powder
A pinch of cloves
1 tbsp raisins
1 tsp maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
In a saucepan, heat the ghee or coconut oil over medium heat.
Add the diced apples, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and caramelized.
Stir in the raisins and cook for another minute.
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Drizzle with cinnamon, star anise and or maple syrup if desired, and serve warm and enjoy.
