RECIPE: COOKED BEETS

Ingredients:

- 2 medium-sized beets
- 1 tablespoon ghee (clarified butter)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper powder
- 1/4 teaspoon rock salt
- Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Peel the beets and chop them into small, uniform cubes.
2. Heat ghee in a pan over medium heat.
3. Add cumin seeds and allow them to splutter.
4. Add the chopped beets to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook the beets until they are tender. This may take approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the beet cubes.
6. While the beets are cooking, prepare the spice mixture. In a small bowl, combine coriander powder, turmeric powder, black pepper powder, and rock salt.
7. Once the beets are cooked, add the spice mixture to the pan and mix well, ensuring that the beets are evenly coated.
8. Cook the beets for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
9. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh coriander leaves.

Dosha Considerations: According to Ayurveda, different individuals have unique constitutions or doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Here's how the cooked beets dish can be tailored for each dosha:

• Vata Dosha:

  • Include a generous amount of ghee while cooking the beets to provide nourishment and balance the dryness and coldness of Vata.

  • Add a pinch of asafoetida (hing) or ginger powder to aid digestion.

  • Consume in moderation to prevent excess cooling.

• Pitta Dosha:

  • Reduce the amount of black pepper powder in the recipe to avoid excessive heat.

  • Substitute ghee with coconut oil to maintain balance.

  • Squeeze a few drops of lime or lemon juice over the cooked beets for a refreshing twist.

• Kapha Dosha:

  • Use less ghee or opt for olive oil instead to minimize heaviness.

  • Increase the amount of ginger or freshly grated ginger in the dish to enhance digestion.

  • Add a dash of cinnamon powder to stimulate circulation and balance Kapha.

When to Eat: The cooked beets dish can be consumed by all doshas in moderation. However, there are certain considerations for the ideal time to eat based on dosha:

• Vata Dosha: Enjoy this dish during lunch or as part of a light dinner. Avoid eating it too late at night to prevent disturbances in sleep.

• Pitta Dosha: Consume it during lunch as a part of a balanced meal. Avoid eating it during midday when the sun is at its peak to prevent excessive heat accumulation.

• Kapha Dosha: Have it during lunch to take advantage of its digestive benefits. Avoid consuming it in the evening or late at night to prevent sluggishness.

Remember, it is always beneficial to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized dietary recommendations based on your specific dosha and overall health condition.