Spring Quinoa Kitcheri


              Yellow quinoa and vegetables in a bowl

As spring starts to shine down on us, we must be aware that Vata and Pitta are on the rise. This can mean our Agni, the digestive fire will struggle to digest and provide the nutrients we need. Here are some spring friendly recipes to bolster our digestive power and get us ready for beautiful summer. They are easy to digest, warm, and delicious!

This recipe can be modified to allow you to add your favorite spring veggies. Enjoy!

Makes 4 servings as a side dish or 2 servings as a meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • ½ cup split mung dahl (yellow dahl)
  • 2 tablespoons ghee
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon whole mustard seeds
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • One inch of fresh ginger, chopped.
  • 1 cup carrots, cubed
  • 4-5 cups vegetable broth or water
  • 1 cup kale
  • Cilantro, extra ghee or olive oil for garnish, black pepper for taste

Directions:

  1. Wash and drain the lentils and quinoa three times.
  2. In a stock pot, heat ghee over medium-high heat. Add ground coriander, ground cumin, mustard seeds, and turmeric and mix until slightly fragrant.
  3. Add carrots and sauté for 2 minutes, or until the carrots are slightly tender.
  4. Add the quinoa and dahl. Mix carrots, beans, and quinoa together to coat with spices and ghee.
  5. Add water or vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low-medium and allow to simmer for 15 minutes.
  6. After 15 minutes, add the kale. Stir and let simmer another 5 minutes. If the mixture looks to be a little dry, add ½ to 1 cup more water or vegetable broth.
  7. Serve warm with ghee or olive oil drizzled on top. Sprinkle cilantro or black pepper if desired.

COOKED APPLE WITH CINNAMON AND CARDAMOM

sliced apples covered in cinnamon and lying on a baking tray

A delicious and simple dessert, this quick treat will nurture digestive power.

Makes 4 servings.

Ingredients

  • 2 sweet apples (gala or Fuji are suggested)
  • 1 tablespoon Ghee
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • Raisins (optional)
  • ¼ tablespoon honey (optional)

Directions:

  1. Wash and cut apples so that there are 8 slices per apple.
  2. In a shallow pan, melt ghee over medium heat.
  3. Add apples, cinnamon, cardamom, and raisins (if desired) and lower heat. Cook until apples are tender, about 5 minutes.
  4. Serve with more cinnamon or drizzle with some honey.

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