Ayurveda is an ancient holistic healing practice that originated in India. It is linked to the development of yoga, and encompasses physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing, including a healthy diet that is designed specifically towards an individual constitution. The Modern Ayurvedic Cookbook, by Amrita Sondhi, offers an easy explanation of the practice, and follows up with loads of healthy, delicious recipes.
What are Doshas?
Everyone is born with three doshas that make up the body's constitution: Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These doshas reflect the elements of air, fire and earth, and each person leans toward a different balance of the three. Knowing one's dosha is key to making choices that will harmonize well with needs in the areas of food, activities, and environment. Modern Ayurvedic includes a questionnaire which will help readers define their own dosha.
The Recipes
All recipes in Modern Ayurvedic are vegetarian, many with Indian flavors, and cover the spectrum of dietary needs for breakfast, snacks, salads, soups, entrees, breads & grains, desserts, condiments and beverages. There are also menu plans that consider the seasons and gathering types. Sample offerings include Mushroom and Spinach Pie, Turnip Curry, Spelt Oatmeal Bread, Tamarind Chutney, and Chocolate Fondue.
Cleanses, Yoga, Alternative Therapies & Food Guidelines
A toxin-eliminating cleanse makes room in the body's cleansing organs, allowing for better nutrient absorption and, therefore, better health. Instructions are included for a twelve-day cleanse, and a winter cleanse that takes into consideration a desire for warmer foods. There are suggested yoga poses, with example photographs, and alternate therapies, such as breathing techniques, aromatherapy, color therapy, massage and visualization. A chart recommending food guidelines for different constitutional types is also included.
Summary
The Modern Ayurvedic Cookbook is a simple introduction to an ancient, healthful lifestyle. The inclusion of recipes, yoga photographs and a quiz for uncovering doshas makes this a complete and useful guide to developing, or continuing, a healthy lifestyle. Recipes cover the spectrum of meals, and help a new or confirmed vegetarian to make creative dishes. A good book for the health minded, or those wishing to create change.
Recipe Excerpt:
Vegetarian Mixed Bean Chili
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup texturized vegetable protein (TVP) (available in health food stores or near tofu)
- 2 tsp vegetable bouillon powder
- 1 cup hot water
- 1 tablespoon good oil (see page 22 - olive, coconut, grapeseed, etc.)
- 1 cup onions, chopped in big chunks
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups mixed green, yellow and red bell peppers, cubed
- 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups mixed beans (pinto, chickpeas, navy), cooked
- 1 tablespoon chili con carne seasoning
- 1 tablespoon wine (optional)
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or maple syrup or honey) (optional)
- Dash of hot chili sauce
- Salt to taste
Directions:
- In a medium bowl, combine TVP, vegetable stock powder, and hot water and let sit for 10 minutes to reconstitute TVP (it will double in size).
- In a large pot on medium, heat oil. Add onions, celery, and carrots and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic, mushrooms, and peppers and sauté for 2 minutes.
- Add remaining ingredients and TVP and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Check seasoning and add salt if necessary.
Makes 4-6 servings
*For non-vegetarians: Instead of the TVP and hot water: add 1 cup ground turkey or chicken; or add 1 cup ground beef
Title: The Modern Ayurvedic Cookbook
Author: Amrita Sondhi
Publisher: Arsenal Pulp Press, 2008, 334 pps., $22.95
ISBN: 978-1-55152-204-3
More healthy living books:
 |
