Recipes

To me it’s children who make summer. Otherwise, you just have time passing by. But with children, there’s surfing, swimming, kayaking, biking, yoga in the park, picnics at the beach, aloe on the sunburn, shoulder rides, and a whole lot of salty hugs. Of course, there’s another thing that makes the season: ripe, juicy …

Vata people and kapha people might usually find coconut oil too cold to use. But in the heat of the summer coconut oil is such a panacea of soothing bliss! Coconut oil has many applications. It is great for soothing your skin after a day in the sun. It’s lovely to mix with …

When I start working with clients who have never cooked much (or at all) for themselves, they often respond with disbelief when I tell them that they will soon enjoy Ayurvedic cooking at home for three meals a day. This presents a change from the eating habits of many people in our modern …

Two years ago at our Yoga Therapy Training, I served a gluten free, dairy free, no sugar added, homemade apple pie. The recipe was requested. It has taken me these years, but at long last, here, finally, it is. Unfortunately, when I first came to write it up last month I …

Last week we returned from a Holistic Health Cruise where a variety of presenters discussed a diversity of topics. All seemed to agree on one thing. With all the popular diets these days – Paleo, Vegan, Atkins, South Beach, Raw, one’s head could really spin. So what do all these diets …

This gluten free wrap recipe is a game-changer. It tastes great, it’s easy to make and it will simplify the lunch process. It’s perfect for anyone looking to reduce bread in their diet plus it’s a complete protein. Gluten Free Wrap Recipe This gluten free wrap recipe was inspired by the South …

From an Ayurvedic perspective, store bought bread can be tough on your body. Why? Yeast is warming and can cause digestive imbalance. And store bought bread is not fresh so there isn’t any prana or life energy left in it. So what’s a health conscious bread lover to do? Well you’re …

As far as I can tell, summer living foods sadhana has a lot to do with winter. Those of you involved in growing or foraging food are familiar with the ridiculous bounty available right now. I grew up learning about canning, which destroys prana, enzymes and nutrients. With the dehydrator …

I noticed this summer, especially during my hot Bikram yoga workout, that I had been opening up quite a few electrolyte packets and adding then to my water to keep me hydrated. I was on the lookout for a good whole food based electrolyte rather than the store bought packets. …

Spring provides such an abundance of wild greens, it is an adventure to harvest them. These flavorful, mineral rich greens lend themselves well to soups, salads and sautés. I use this recipe as a formula, substituting any wild or grown greens that I have. Creamy Nettle Soup Recipe With Yogurt …

I like to call this Creamy Dreamy Drink! The finely ground pumpkin and chia seeds makes this surprisingly rich and creamy. Both pumpkin seeds and chia seeds are rich in amino acid tryptophan which promises you a trip to your dreamland! Did I mention it’s super-delicious to taste! Milk in Sanskrit …

By Vedika Global Ayurveda Clinical Specialist Shubha Lisa Lesser Spring is officially descending upon us. In the Bay Area, there are daffodils, cherry blossoms, colorful birds and sneezes everywhere you go. Many of us may be experiencing some extra mucus or sluggishness, which is putting a small damper on enjoying …

It’s Springtime! The famous Indian poet Kalidas beautifully describes this colorful season: Gentle breeze, softens the chilly air of the winter. The land comes to life as the flora suddenly bursts into maturity and young flowers bloom all over. The air is filled with intoxicating smell of fresh flowers and …

Let’s face it the holidays are a flurry of activity and engagements from Thanksgiving until New Year’s. Yes, some of us have it easier than others but we all need a little TLC over the holidays to stay sane. Invite yourself to take a moment and develop a strategy for …

If you’re an Ayurvedic adherent you have heard of the perils of smoothies. There are a number of reasons that a person who wants a long, happy and healthy life will stick up their noses at smoothies. Yet smoothies are so easy to make, tasty, satisfying, convenient to carry with …

Ginger latte is one of my favorite hot drinks and, while not a complete substitute, evokes the familiar comfort and aroma of coffee. The warmth of ginger, roasted barley, chicory, and figs stimulates blood circulation and promotes energy and vitality. Here’s the recipe for Ginger latte. Ginger Latte Recipe Preparation Time: …

The spices add a light kick to the tangy sweet and earthy flavor of the carrots that will leave you more than satisfied! Add these carrots to basmati rice, collard greens and dahl as part of a balanced meal. Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes Augmenting or Extractive: augmenting

Making a well shaped rolled sushi can be challenging, time consuming and a bit intimidating. An idea when preparing for a larger group is to make a few rolls so each person can have a couple of roll slices and then serve the rest in chirashi sushi style. It becomes a perfectly simple …

Here is a lovely fall meal with foods that are readily available but may not be that familiar to you. Remember, augmenting foods are nurturing and nourishing. Extractive foods are more cleansing in nature and ask our body to give up something to digest them. Have about 60% augmenting and …

This wonderful meal serves four. Prepare all vegetables in advance of cooking. Serve with nori and sesame seeds as an extra treat! Ume plum paste is also a lovely addition. Ume plum paste is a naturally fermented food to be consumed in small quantities such as 1/8 tsp or less …

This rose petal drink is a sweet summer concoction to keep Pitta cool. In fact, it is good for both Vata and Pitta1. Be careful though, this drink may aggravate Kapha. Here’s the recipe for an ecstatic rose petal drink. Ingredients 4 cups fresh rose petals or 1/2 cup dried …

This is a recipe that can be prepared easily for one person or for a crowd!

Healthy Ayurvedic meals are easy to make. Here’s a guide on making fast and healthy meals like Khichdi or Kitchari These meals don’t offend Ayurveda’s guidelines on food choices and food prep. Good health comes from balanced and moderate living and eating. Make your choices wisely as to how you spend your …

Kitchari or Khichdi is a delicious, soup-like meal that’s both nourishing to the body and easy on the digestive system. A vegetarian ‘chicken soup’, if you will. This particular recipe is a perfect spring kitchari. This recipe is well-spiced and light. Once mastered, Khichri takes about twelve minutes of prep …