With fire, agni, so central to Ayurvedic principles, it may indeed be that the true heart of Ayurveda is the hearth. When set up properly, your kitchen can be the source of great healing medicine. Here are 4 everyday recipes to strengthen your kitchen’s ayurvedic power.
1. Ghee
- 1 lb. unsalted Butter
Heat the butter in a pot for about 15-20 minutes on medium heat. Once the ghee is transparent and there is a brown sediment on the bottom of the pan, it is ready. Remove from heat and allow to cool. Strain through a stainless strainer or a cheesecloth into a thick glass jar. Store at room temperature.
2. Spicy Oil
- 1 cup Oil (canola/sunflower/vegetable)
- 2 tbs. Mustard seeds
- 1 tbs. Cumin seeds
- 1 tbs. Hing (asafoetida)
- 1 tbs. Turmeric
Heat the oil in a pan. Add 2-3 mustard seeds to oil while heating. When the seeds begin to pop remove pan from heat, add the remaining seeds and cover. When the seeds stop popping add cumin, hing and turmeric. Allow the oil to cool for 5 minutes, then pour it into a thick glass jar and store at room temperature.
3. Apple Chutney
- 1 Granny Smith Apple, diced
- 1 tbs. Salt
- 1 tbs. Jaggery (Sucanat)
- ½ tsp. chili powder
- 1-2 tbs. Spicy Oil
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Enjoy with Kichari, as a condiment with any meal, or even as a sandwich spread.
4. Cucumber Raita
- 2 Cucumbers, peeled and chopped
- 1 medium Carrot, shredded
- 1 cup Yogurt, plain
- 1 tbs. Cilantro
- Salt to taste
- 1 Jalapeno Pepper, sliced very thin the long way, seeds removed
Mix all ingredients together except cilantro. Garnish with cilantro and chili just before serving.