Lentils are a must in my pantry during winter. Easy to prep and make, and soothing to the digestive system. These spices warm up your internal body as you enter the winter season. Let's get to it.
Ingredients - Serves 8
8 cups vegetable broth, divided
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 large red bell pepper, chopped
1 carrot, chopped
1 small sweet potato, chopped
5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 - 4 teaspoons chili powder (depends on your preference for heat)
1 (16-ounce) package brown lentils
2 (15-ounce) cans no-salt diced tomatoes
1 Cinnamon stick
2 Cardamom pods or 1/2 tsp of cardamom powder (optional)
1 tsp. each of Cumin, Ground Ginger, Salt
1/2 tsp. Mustard seeds
Pinch of Black pepper
3 cups chopped cilantro
1. Bring 1 cup broth to a simmer in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, bell pepper and garlic and cook about 8 minutes or until onion is translucent and pepper is tender.
Ayurvedic medicine has a rich history. Originally shared as an oral tradition, Ayurveda was recorded more than 5,000 years ago in Sanskrit, in the four sacred texts called the Vedas: the Rig Veda (3000-2500 BCE), Yajur Veda, Sam Veda, and Atharva Veda (1200-1000 BCE). In Ayurveda, each season is associated with a dosha, or body type.
3. Stir in chili powder, cinnamon stick, cardamon pods (or powder), cumin, ground ginger, salt and mustard seeds and pepper. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. If it gets too thick, add a splash of broth to prevent burning.
4. Add lentils, tomatoes, carrots, sweet potato and remaining 7 cups of broth.
5. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially
covered, 30 minutes or until lentils are almost tender.
6. Uncover and cook 10 minutes longer.
7. Stir in cilantro and serve.
Feel free to add any toppings you'd like. Great for the freezer and leftovers.
Ayurvedic medicine has a rich history. Originally shared as an oral tradition, Ayurveda was recorded more than 5,000 years ago in Sanskrit, in the four sacred texts called the Vedas: the Rig Veda (3000-2500 BCE), Yajur Veda, Sam Veda, and Atharva Veda (1200-1000 BCE). In Ayurveda, each season is associated with a dosha, or body type.
When Vata is balanced:
Vata is energetic, strong sense of humanity, adaptable, quick comprehension, easily adaptable, positive spirit, strong healing energy, flexible, true enthusiasm, good in communication, and able to initiate things.
When Vata is aggravated:
Vata aggravation leading to excess causes debility, emaciation, liking of warmth, tremors, distention, constipation, dizziness, confusion, insomnia, depression, incoherent sleep, sensory disorientation, piercing pain, cracking of joints, dehydration, stiffness, astringent taste in the mouth and dark, or reddish brown discolorations.
Routine is the best way to pacify Vata, followed by pranayam, breath exercises. Focus on warm, spicy, and oily qualities and elements to incorporate during this season. Above all, stay grounded and rooted in this present moment. As Baba Ram Dass says, "Be Here Now or Be Nowehere".
Namaste