Ayurvedic Recipes for Winter

One of the most important aspects in the Ayurvedic tradition is nutrition. What we put into our stomach is what our cells are made of, it also affects our mood. For these long, dark, winter days, we have two warm, Ayurvedic recipes for winter for you. An almond drink and a pumpkin cream soup, including their beneficial effects from the point of view of Ayurveda.

The Basics of Ayurveda

Ayurveda divides people into three types concerning their build and character. These are the vata, pitta and kapha characteristics. There are mixed versions of these like vata-pitta and so on. Not only people are categorized like this, but also food. For example, ginger has a spicy, warm character – which makes it a perfect ingredient for Ayurvedic recipes for winter. 

In Ayurveda it is very important to eat according to the season to keep ourselves healthy. Summer is associated with sunshine and ripening, and winter is associated with cold and stiffness. This process can also be seen in nature. The leaves and fruits are alive during summer, while the onset of winter is characterized by retreat and leafless trees. That is why in winter it is necessary to eat colorful food rich in vitamins and liquids. 

The Ayurvedic diet can be tailored to our own individual build, taking into account the imbalances in our bodies. Ayurveda shows the needs of a particular body type and what food this type should prefer. 

If we bring Ayurveda into our kitchen and master this ancient diet, we can observe that we eat less but feel better about it. We will feel better and we will feel more satisfied because we eat what really nourishes us. 

Because Ayurveda believes that all diseases begin in the digestive system, food is the first medicine to turn to. With a healthy diet we can maintain a healthy body. 

Here are two Ayurvedic recipes for winter, which will provide you with the right nutrient and vitamin resources even during winter. Especially during this time it is important for our body to consume enough food rich in minerals and fiber. Living a healthy lifestyle begins with nutrition. 

Hot Date-Almond Drink

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 pinch of cinnamon
• 2 pieces of pitted dates
• small piece of ginger

Preparation:

For the best result use homemade almond milk.

1. Soak the dates in warm, lukewarm water for 5-10 minutes.
2. Warm up the milk,  but don’t let it boil
3. Put all the ingredients in a mixer and blend together.
4. For a more intense effect, you can add 1 teaspoon of ghee (Indian purified butter). If don’t have ghee, you can also use coconut oil.

Almond milk can also be replaced with coconut milk.

How does this Ayurvedic recipe work?

This drink replenishes and nourishes the body. Being warm and creamy it is especially good during cold weather. The dates give sweetness, while the ginger adds some fire to the drink. Spicy and pungent Cinnamon makes the drink a special flavor combination. It warms up and fills the whole body with comfort. In cold weather, this creamy almond drink with dates soothes your mind and sweetens the mood.

Definitely one of our favorite Ayurvedic recipes for winter!

Butternut Squash Soup With Fennel and Ginger

Ingredients:

• ¼ tsp black pepper 
• medium sized butternut squash
• 1 tsp fennel
• 2 Garlic cloves
• 2 tbsp ghee (or coconut oil)
• piece of ginger (to taste)
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 diced onion
• salt, water

Preparation:

1. Put the butternut squash in the oven at 180 degrees for half an hour. After baking, the shell can be easily removed. After peeling, cut the pumpkin into small cubes.
2. Heat 2 tablespoons ghee in a large pot. Add the diced onion and fry. Add chopped garlic and ginger when the onion starts to brown. Add salt, pepper and fennel. Roast for another thirty seconds, making sure the garlic does not burn. Then add the pumpkin and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil.
3. Put the flame on low and cook for about another 20 minutes. Blend when pumpkin has oftened. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the finished soup.
4. Serve hot, even accompanied by wholegrain bread.

This will probably feed up to 4 people.

How does this Ayurvedic recipe work?

Pumpkin cream soup with fennel and ginger offers us warmth and refreshment. After having absorbed the power of the sun while ripening, butternut squash with its bright orange color brings us some summer sunshine, which we can harvest during the darker seasons in form of food. During winter, when we crave more colorful, nutritious foods, butternut squashes are a perfect addition to our diet. The ginger and fennel give the soup a pleasant hot character and make it easier to digest. This is the best home-made food – it brings satisfaction to our inner home.

If you want to find more Ayurvedic recipes for winter or to know more about Ayurvedic nutrition, there are many sources and experts to help you. This is a great direction towards a healthy lifestyle with conscious eating habits. 

The above two recipes are completely true to Ayurvedic traditions. If you would like to get even more cooking information check out the JoyfulBelly school of ayurvedic diet.

barbara