Essential Ayurveda Cooking Series (four Saturdays beginning Sept 21)

Save the Dates: September 21, September 28, October 5, October 12 (Classes will be recorded and replays available for those who miss a class.)

Would you like to learn how to use Ayurveda to improve your digestion, balance your body weight, improve your mental focus, promote longevity, and elevate your well-being?

Then join us in our “Essential Ayurveda Cooking” workshop series to learn about the ancient methods for using food as medicine to prevent disease and enhance overall wellness. In this four-part series, we break down Ayurveda in a way that’s accessible and relevant to everybody, regardless of dietary preferences, familiarity with Indian cuisine or previous exposure to Ayurveda.

Diet, and understanding the energetic effects of food on our body, is perhaps the most important aspect of the Ayurveda system of health. In the first session, we discusses the foundational principles of Ayurveda including: the energetics of the elements, the doshas and the six tastes. We will also touch upon Ayurveda food combining principles and a discuss Ayurveda’s view on ama (toxins).

Building on our foundation, the next three sessions will be dosha-specific cooking class demonstrations (with remote participation over Zoom). Course materials will include shopping lists and prep tips for each meal we are making together, allowing you to purchase and prep ahead of time.

NOTE: All menus are vegetarian, gluten-free and soy free, with options for people who don’t want to use ghee/butter. I will provide shopping resources to help people find unique ingredients, but will also provide substitutions if they don’t’ feel like going on a treasure hunt (i.e., frozen or dried instead of fresh, or else a similar ingredient).

You will learn:
• The fundamental principles of Ayurveda
• How to recognize when doshas are out of balance
• How to create a meal that will balance each dosha

Who should attend: This workshop series is designed for anyone interested in learning about Ayurveda. No prior Ayurveda education or experience is necessary.

Format: Each session lasts two hours and meets live via Zoom. Classes will be recorded and available for replay if you miss a session. All questions will be moderated via Zoom chat and will be addressed either in real-time or during the Q&A session at the end, at the moderator’s discretion. Cooking sessions will involve live demonstrations with active, remote participation from the class, culminating in a communal dining experience.

Registration: To ensure a fun, focused and interactive experience, class size will be limited and early registration is encouraged.
• All 4 sessions – $175
• All 4 sessions (early bird before August 20) – $149
• All 4 sessions (SAI college students or graduates) – $125
• 1 session – $60

Register at Sai Ayurveda

Course Text: The class will utilized resources from “The Essential Ayurvedic Cookbook”, by Lois A. Leonhardi, available for purchase on Amazon HERE.

Instructor: Lois Leonhardi is a certified Ayurveda practitioner, Ayurvedic chef, and author of “The Essential Ayurvedic Cookbook”. Known for her engaging workshops, she integrates classical Ayurvedic principles with modern insights, empowering individuals on their path to wellness. Her teachings emphasize the practical application of Ayurvedic principles to enhance digestion, balance energy, and promote longevity. More at www.yogawithlois.com.

Session 1: Essential Ayurveda Cooking Introduction

Session 2: Balancing Vata Cooking Class

Vata Balancing Menu
Okra with Grounding Ginger and Tomato Sauce (can substitute zucchini)
Yellow Mung Dal with Garam Masala Seasoning
Basmati Jeera Rice

Session 3: Balancing Pitta Cooking Class

Pitta Balancing Menu
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Cumin Seeds
Red Dal with Lime and Sumac
Jeweled Basmati rice

Session 4: Balancing Kapha Cooking Class

Kapha Balancing Menu
Eat Pureed Corn Soup with Green Chili
Toor Dal with Ginger, Mint and Cumin
Millet-Buckwheat Chapatis with Dried Fenugreek Leaves