Kheer

By Dr. Anju Sodhi (BAMS, ND)

During this hot season, sweet foods can be our friend-in moderation.

Kheer provides an easy-to-digest dessert that is not too sweet but can ameliorate the symptoms of pitta.

Be advised that honey is a great sweetener but it is not to be cooked.

There are several options to make this dessert listed below.

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

2.5 cups coconut milk (from the can)
2 tablespoons organic raw sugar
2 cups water
½ cup basmati white rice
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon cardamom
¼ cup raisins (optional)
½ teaspoon rose water (optional)
Chopped pistachios for garnish (optional)
Sliced almonds for garnish (optional)

Bring the coconut milk, water, and sugar to a boil in a large saucepan.

Add Basmati rice, cinnamon, and cardamom.

Simmer over low heat until the mixture thickens and the rice is tender about 25-30 minutes.

Add raisins and rose water, and simmer for another 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Portion pudding in serving dishes.

Garnish with nuts.

Can be enjoyed warm or cooled.

For a dash more sweetness, stir in honey after cooking.

Gingered Carrots (Side Dish)

This accompanying dish provides a delicious health side to meals. Sweetness combats the Vata quality of dry in the air while giving digestion a boost. Ginger helps with digestion while ghee adds necessary fat to the body.

Pumpkin Soup

Soup is an easy way to get warm and moisturizing food into the body. Pumpkin is easy to digest and nutrient packed food, armed with natural vitamin C and E for antioxidant support.

Vegetable Curry

By Dr. Anju Sodhi (BAMS, ND) Vegetable Curry Place onion, ginger, garlic and the tomato (cut into pieces) in a food processor or blender. Blend on high speed until the ingredients make a paste, about 1 minute. Open the can of coconut milk and remove about 6...

Cooked Yogurt

Add the yogurt over the top of the onions, garlic, and chili. Let cook for 10 seconds and immediately remove from heat. If left on the heat too long, yogurt will separate.

Serve warm.