Healing Ayurvedic Recipes to Try at Home
The healing properties of Ayurveda are what has made this ancient food philosophy an essential part of our food culture through the ages… Remember your mother feeding you a ‘kadha’ when you would fall sick, and how said potion helped nurse you back to health? That is the power of this Science of Life! Thus, I decided to share three Healing Ayurvedic Recipes integrated with ayurvedic properties, for an edit that is high on nostalgia and wholesome goodness!
Now, think again before you leap to the conclusion that ayurvedic recipes are just another diet fad. Not only can the recipes featured help boost your overall wellbeing in the longer term, but they’re also all about aligning the energies of your body. Without further ado, here are my mood and immunity-boosting recipes prepared using fresh and flavourful, seasonal and local ingredients. Let me know how you like them!
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Authentic Masala Chai | Masala Tea
After westernization, to date, there is this eternal war of “which is better, chai or coffee?” and I can say proudly, Indians prefer their hot cup of chai {to everything else} early in the morning, to get their day started on the right note. While we all have our own way of preparing chai and prefer different spices to go into our masala chai version, I can assure you that while incorporating ayurvedic properties, my version is high on healthy goodness, and that ~ you will love it!
Ingredients:
- Cinnamon ~ 1 whole stick
- Cardamom ~ 6 green pods
- Black Peppercorns ~ 1 tsp, whole
- Cloves ~ 4 whole
- Ginger ~ 12 gm {grated or sliced}
- Black Tea ~ 20 gm loose leaf or 4 tea bags
- Water ~ 600 ml
- Milk {of choice} ~ 500 ml
- Sweetener {of choice} to taste
Preparation:
- Prepare a paste using cinnamon, cardamom, whole peppers, and cloves.
- Bring water to a boil in a saucepan. Add to it the paste along with grated/sliced ginger.
- Simmer for about 10-15 minutes on medium flame. This is where the flavours come through.
- Add the tea and the milk of your choice, and let simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Switch off the heat, cover and let the decoction steep for an additional 5 minutes. You will come to learn that the longer it simmers the stronger is the tea.
- Now, strain through a sieve, add the sweetener you prefer as there is no wrong way of having chai, and enjoy!
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Spicy Tulsi Chai | Indian Basil Tea
As mentioned earlier, Ayurveda is said to enhance immunity and help us live a longer and improved life. Ayurvedic herbs and spices are also an important component of this approach. The Holy Basil {most of us probably call it tulsi} is one such adaptogenic herb, which has many uses we have heard about over the years. In addition to its religious significance, the use of tulsi in our tea or snacks helps in boosting defence against disease and also improving our energy levels. Read on for a simple and delicious way to incorporate this wonder herb into your wellness routine!
Ingredients:
- Water ~ 5 cups
- Ginger Root ~ One, approximately the size of your palm {peeled & chopped into large chunks}
- Green Cardamom Pods ~ 1 tbsp
- Star Anise ~ 3-4th whole
- Cloves ~ 1/2 tbsp, whole
- Allspice ~ 1/2 tbsp, whole
- Black Peppercorns ~ 1/2 tbsp, whole
- Cinnamon ~ 5 sticks
- Indian Tulsi {Holy Basil} ~ 1/3rd cup, dried
Preparation:
- In a saucepan, add water and ginger root and set it aside.
- The remaining spices now have to be gently crushed using mortar and pestle to have them release their oils.
- Add the crushed whole spices to the saucepan containing water and ginger root.
- Bring the water to a boil, and then remove it from the heat.
- Add the dried Tulsi to the decoction; set aside for thirty minutes and then strain through a sieve.
- This spicy chai decoction can be stored in the refrigerator for up to ten days.
- To make a cup of chai, simply combine the concentrate with a 1:1 ratio of either water or your choice of milk {whatever works for you ~ no hard or fast rules}. Then serve either hot or iced depending on your preference.
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No-Bake Chai Energy Balls
We all have a radiant aura that surrounds us, which the followers of Ayurveda call ‘Ojas’ or Life Force. It is said that the brighter the Ojas, the healthier and happier is our body. Ayurvedic herbs and spices like tulsi, ashwagandha, ginger and much more help in bringing our aura to the fore. The ancient health care tradition practised in India also believes that these herbs & spices help in increasing vitality and strength, and our generations of homemade food recipes and ‘kadhas’ are its proof. I personally incorporate these herbs & spices in various healing ayurvedic recipes which are not just good for our health but are also delicious! May I recommend these aromatic Chai Energy Balls, which are a perfect mix of sweet, savoury, and crunchy ~ especially if you’re in need of an Ojas boost!
Ingredients:
- Almonds ~ 1/2 cup {peeled & soaked}
- Dates ~ 4 {finely chopped}
- Ginger ~ 2 tbsp {grated, or chopped}
- Chia Seeds ~ 2 tbsp
- Tahini ~ 4 tbsp {toasted sesame seed paste will work as well}
- Chai Masala Powder ~ 1/2 tsp
- Sesame Seeds ~ 2 tbsp {lightly toasted }
- Honey to taste
Preparation:
- Put all the ingredients into your processor {except for the toasted sesame seeds} and blend at high speed until the mixture attains a semi-solid consistency.
- Once the mixture is removed from the blender, use your hands to press and shape the mixture into balls. Then run them over the sesame seeds, and enjoy!
- Tip: You may also add cacao for that chocolatey goodness, or ground coconut for a tropical flavour. Nothing ground-breaking, but a new-to-me combination that works really nicely.
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For me, if I can’t enjoy a hot cup of chai, some snacks and one nice book, my evening is considered incomplete! Now that’s comfort people… And, oh yes ~ put your feet up too! And, of course, if you do make these healing ayurvedic recipes, share your creations with me, I’d love to see.
This looks soooo good! ❤️ Summertime is the time of lightness. It is a season that feels fresh. Hence, your #ayurvedic versions are great to keep one grounded, calm, and create healthy tissues. Thank you for sharing, Tanya.
I wholeheartedly agree, Tahira! So glad you like the recipes!
Wow, looks incredible! The best foods to be eating at this time are foods that are light, foods/beverages that won’t make you tired or feel heavy after consuming. The ones you’ve featured will keep us happy and energized throughout our morning. 🙂 Thank you for curaing them.
Quite true. You are most welcome, Priyanshu.
It’s all about balance. 🙂 And, these recipes look and sound delicious!
Over the years, I’ve enjoyed green juices, mueslis, granolas – each time adding another perspective to the meal; like more healthy fats, fewer carbs, more vitamins, etc. The time I give Ayurveda a try. ❤️
Thank you for your wonderful thoughts, Harshita.
Looks absolutely divine, Tanya!
With my Ayurvedic journey, I’ve discovered that a soft, creamy, warm porridge with some spices makes me really fulfilled and make my tummy lighter and happier. ✨✨✨
Thanks so much, Subhrata. I had a blast curating these recipes!
Yum! Amazing pictures and amazing recipes… Spicy stuff all the way! Thanks for this, Tanya.
You’re most welcome, Samantaray.
Your recipes look healthy and delicious. ❤️
Just in case some of us forgot or didn’t know, plant-based/vegan food is not supposed to be boring. The variety of colour and tastes alone in the plant kingdom gives us a hint that these foods are meant to be enjoyed.
Thank you so much for giving me the inspiration to give it a whirl again, Upasana!
Omg, I need to try this; I am an Ayurveda lover! ❤️
To add to your post, I would say that Sautéed Greens is my favourite Ayurveda recipe at this time of year. It’s great as a side dish or as the main part of the meal with a grain and some protein.
That is sensitive of you, to resonate like this… Thank you, Aman.
Looks delicious and healthy! ✨ Let’s build a stronger, healthier society with natural products, instead of shoving our bodies with chemicals. This time is more crucial than ever!
From your mouth to the universe’s ear!
Looks so clean and yummy! Salivating ❤️
When we take away the structures of ‘health’ that we are bound to and begin to see our relationship to our surrounding environment, only then will we begin to know ourselves, our bodies, and how to nourish them.
Amen.
Beautiful share. Beautiful meals. Simple wins every time.
On a side note: Eat with gratitude and it will taste wonderful.
So sweet of you, Shraddha. Thanks much. Quite reassuring really.
Oh my, ❤️ these are a perfect delight for my tummy while I’m looking for light replacements for my “snack time”! Serve warm & enjoy the cooling effect on my body and mind!
Thank you so much, Bhoomika!
Looks so gooood… I love the simple ingredients. I am definitely going to try these.
Do give them a try, Asif. I’m sure you’ll love it!
I aspire to eat like this… Living in alignment with the seasons supports our wellbeing and keeps our doshas in balance. I do want to build a routine that generally focuses on lightening and cleaning me up physically, mentally and emotionally. Thank you for sharing.
That’s kind of you, Reshma. Thank you for your artistic expression.
Oh, snap! That all sounds ah-mazing! ❤️ Light, easily digestible and spiced foods are my friend this season.
Thank you very much for your kind thoughts, Debamita.
Omg, these look too good! My guilty pleasure is Matcha from South Asian cuisine, but maybe this chai will be a good replacement. 🙂
On another note: Exercise is one of the most important things you can do to support your body this season. Ayurveda states we should exercise to half our capacity, as soon as you break a sweat is when you should stop.
Thank you for reading my blog, Namrata. And thank you for sharing the advice.
This is beautifully curated. ❤️ Love that you are holistic, Tanya.
My body has been craving wholesome foods recently, and I’m gladly honouring that craving; because I know I will feel amazing after.
So happy you liked it, Aruna. Thank you!
Looks so delectable. ❤️ When someone tells me it’s “Chai Time” this is what I envision!
Thank you for being a constant light to me and others on this platform! Love you so much!
Thank you, dear Maanvi. Such a sweet thing to say!
Ooooh, I like the look of this! Recharge for the energetic body!
On that note, what can Ayurvedic principles do for you? They can help regulate your digestion, your sleep, energy levels and mood with small, daily actions and adjustments. There is a reason why Ayurveda is around – it works.
Thanks for taking the time to read through and comment, Priyanka.
Wow, you nailed it! This post contains everything I love about Ayurveda concoctions!
In other news, “True happiness is… to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future.” ~ Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Just be happy in the moment and enjoy your day. Make it a good one.
Thank you as always for your love and support, Antara.
Wow, this is amazing! Love spiced chai! ❤️ Thanks for the recipes, Tanya!
So sweet of you, Meenakshi.
This sounds like my type of “snack time”!
I do wish to learn to establish a daily routine where I meditate, practice yoga, cook delicious and nutritiously balanced meals, and use Ayurvedic practices for my skin, food and drinks. 🙂
Aww ~ thank you so much, Lekha. Your support on this platform means the world!
Such amazing natural ingredients…
In every ancient culture, there are rituals to mortify the body as a way of understanding that the energy of the soul is indestructible. ~ Marina Abramovic
Oh, Khushboo! What a beautiful & sensitive soul you are…
This looks amazing – so fresh and delicious!
To add to your post: Ayurveda advises to opt for drying and heating spices to stoke your digestive fire. Sipping ginger tea with your meals and adding zesty warming spices to your foods to help digest, assimilate, and eliminate waste.
Your wise words are dearly appreciated, Shubha.
So vibrant yet so simple and soothing! ✨
Each season has the wisdom to share with us and holds space for us to learn and take action. Despite the modern world, many cultures today still understand the significance of the seasons and hold rituals to mark the change. Ayurveda is one such… Thanks for taking the time to curate these recipes, Tanya.
Sweet of you, Neha. Thank you very much for such lovely words.
Love this! ❤️ Ayurveda recipes strongly feature spices and with good reason – they keep your digestive enzymes firing! Not only will your food be elevated to new taste sensations but you will benefit from all the health properties spices have.
Happy to have your warm appreciation, Aparna. I value it so.
Yummy! All of it looks amazing ❤️ I can feel the lightness and nourishment… such a great way to add Ayurveda to my meal plan. Thank you for sharing your beautiful recipes!
On a related note: Let go of the thoughts that are serving no purpose, and you’ll remember your magic and strength.
Thank you for believing in me, Manjushree. You’re the best ever!
Love your blog ❤️ all of the food looks so delicious!
Wholesome recipes truly are worth more than anything … For those of you looking for inspiration and education – you’ve come to the right place!
You overwhelm me, Jas.
This looks incredible! ❤️ Today I’m moving into the deeper part of my seasonal detox, both my mind and body are ready for a break. ✨ After all, we have to digest everything we take in, not just food, and rest is certainly in order.
Always full of joy and wonderful things to say you are, Namrata.
Meal/drink for the mind-body and soul… Keeping in mind the surge of covid cases across the country, thanks for the zingy recipes. 🙂 Just so you know, I spice my teas with vanilla and cinnamon – not only for extra flavour but also extra immunity!
Thank you for reading my blog, Vrunda. And thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Looks so good. Love the holistic life. ❤️
I love summer – it awakens my body and my spirit from the deep slumber of winter, and opens me up to the delight of new beginnings. The Earth’s energy is so bright and alive, and my garden is full of life both in flowers and with an abundance of fresh produce… What better way than to use them than in Ayurvedic curations? 🙂
You’re an incredibly thoughtful person, Maya! Have a beautiful day.