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Article 11. Ayurvedic Cooking

We need only open a magazine or newspaper, and there is “nutritional advice” thrust at us. The overriding message seems to be that we follow a low-fat diet high in carbohydrates and all will be well. Fruit and vegetables are good for us so we are admonished to have x number of servings a day, and so on. What western nutritional science seems to totally ignore is our inherent biological individuality. We are not like identical robots that have tumbled off some divine assembly line. There are certain foods that are highly beneficial to some body types but not to others. Raw foods may be hard to digest for some while others thrive on them. Ayurveda can show us the way to choosing those foods that are good for us and our specific digestive system, and to become more discerning in the process. Recommendations for further reading are: The Healing Cuisine by Harish Johari and The Ayurvedic Cookbook by Amadea Morningstar with Urmila Desai.

Vata - Vata people are creative, active, alert, enthusiastic, and restless. They are busy and talk fast. They have a light and slim build. Veins and muscles can be seen underneath the skin. Their hair and skin tend to dry out very quickly and their fingernails are often brittle. The skin is often pale and they have dark circles under their eyes. Vata people do not perspire much and often have cold fingers and toes. They are often fearful nervous and stressed. They are forgetful, but quick-witted.

To keep in balance: Boiled vegetables are fine, but avoid raw vegetables. Broccoli, cauliflower, and sprouts are less suitable for vata digestion.

Rice Pilau

- 1 cup red bell pepper. chopped
- 1 cup green peas
- a handful raw cashew pieces (or pumpkin seeds)
- a handful raisins
- 1½ teasp mild curry powder
- ½ teaspoon dark mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 2 tablespoons or more of ghee or oil
- 2-3 cups cooked rice

Heat oil or ghee in a medium-sized skillet and add mustard seeds. When they pop, add turmeric and vegetables. Cook for 3-4 minutes. Add nuts or seeds and raisins and keep stirring. Add cooked rice and curry powder. Mix well and serve. This goes well with yogurt.

Pitta - Pitta people have a fiery nature. They are intelligent, enterprising and able to get a clear focus on things. They are smart and enjoyable speakers. They have a medium build. They perspire heavily and often have
clammy hands and feet, and soft fingernails. Their hair is silky, but thin. The pitta skin is soft, reddish, pure and often lacks moisture. Pitta people have a strong metabolism, a healthy appetite and a good digestive system. They love sweet, bitter, and astringent delicacies such as potatoes and celery. They sleep well and sunlight or heat does not agree with them. Pittas experience jealousy, hatred, and anger more strongly that the other two types.

To keep in balance: Avoid harsh vegetables such as beets and carrots. Sweet, bitter vegetables (asparagus,
broccoli, sprouts) are very good. The same goes for sweet fruit such as apples, oranges, pears, and figs. Sour fruit, such as grapefruit and berries, are best avoided.

Fennel-Mushrooms with Pasta

- one whole fennel bulb (including any stalks), sliced
- one whole spanish onion, sliced
- two cups sliced white mushrooms
- one teaspoon fennel seeds
- enough oil or ghee in which to sauté the above
- enough cooked pasta for about 4 people

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In a wok type pan lightly cover the bottom with oil or ghee, heat it gently and add the fennel seeds and onions. Cook gently until translucent. Add the sliced fennel, sauté a little and then add the mushrooms. Cook a further 5 minutes. In the meantime cook some pasta and serve with a generous dollop of the fennel-mushroom mixture.

Kapha - Kapha people are generally happy, healthy, and down-to-earth types. They have a solid heavy build.
They are strong, have great endurance, and a balanced nature. They talk and move more slowly than the other two types. Their hair is thick, soft, and often curly. Their appetite is normal and their digestion slow. They love
bitter, spicy, and astringent foods. They have a normal perspiration and sleep long. The kapha skin is soft and shiny because of the high percentage of fat.

To keep in balance: No sweet and juicy vegetables, but harsh and bitter vegetables such as asparagus, beets, and broccoli are good.

Salad Meal

- 1 head broccoli – lightly steamed
- A handful asparagus spears – lightly steamed
- A cup or two of cooked whole barley
- One or two cups raw grated beets
- A whole vidalia or spanish onion
- A cup of sliced radishes
- A handful of chopped coriander leaves (cilantro)
- A cup of sprouts (sunflower or any other)
- Dressing of olive oil and cider vinegar, about equal quantities of either.

Combine all ingredients and add enough dressing for a refreshing flavour. Enjoy with a slab of good bread.

General Ayurvedic Tips

- Avoid eating before sunrise and after sunset. If this is not possible, then the following foods should be especially avoided: yogurt, citrus fruits, and nuts.

- Attention should be paid to experiencing the tastes of food and to enjoying the process of eating

- Avoid tea or coffee for half an hour before or after meals

- Do not drink hot milk before going to sleep; lukewarm milk is good for those who have no problems with mucus

- Canned foods should be avoided or totally eliminated

- Never eat unpalatable foods as this increases resistance in the system.

Edith Carter

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