What are the secrets of an Ayurvedic diet? What are the foundations and the main foods in this balanced diet? Created thousands of years ago in India, Ayurvedic medicine is becoming increasingly popular in our regions. This practice aims to harmonize our body with our soul through massages and yoga. Additionally, to maintain this harmony, proper nutrition is necessary. But what can someone following an Ayurvedic diet eat? We will find out together what Ayurvedic cooking consists of, and you will most likely be surprised!
The foundation of Ayurvedic cooking
Fasting? Deprivation? Vegetarian? No ladies and gentlemen, these words are not included in the Ayurvedic cooking vocabulary! Indeed, this diet does not include any restrictions, only a balance between the five elements (earth, fire, water, air and ether) as well as six flavors (sweet, savory, sour, bitter, spicy and astringent).
To honor this balance, an Ayurvedic meal is composed of three portions of dry food such as cereals, one portion of protein such as meat, fish, eggs or cheese, one portion of vegetables or seasonal fruits, usually spicy, and one portion of a drink or a soup.
3 key foods of Ayurvedic cooking
We are going to introduce three key foods to implement in an Ayurvedic diet.
Ghee
This yellowish paste is used for cooking as an alternative to butter in which water, lactose and proteins were removed. This clarified butter is not yet popular in Europe, although it has many advantages. Indeed, it does not oxidize and does not darken while cooking. On top of that, it can also be used as a lip balm, as a burn ointment or simply as a moisturizer. So, stop waiting and start using this multiuse healthy butter.
Chapati
Chapati is a traditional Indian bread. It’s a whole-wheat flatbread cooked in a large cast-iron pan. Chapati is wrapped in a scone shape and dipped in different mixtures. You can also spread ghee on Chapati.
Chapati can be eaten as an appetizer, dipped in hummus or eggplant caviar.
Ginger
In Ayurvedic cooking, it is a golden rule to spice up your dishes. Ginger, for example, is a big part of this cuisine. Adding it to ghee as you start cooking will release all the flavors and will allow you to reduce the amount of salt in your dishes. It will also help with digestion.
Do you feel like you know more about Ayurvedic cooking? It’s time to start planning an Ayurvedic themed dinner and amaze your friends and family with this way of cooking that is both balanced and full of benefits!
