As the weather cools, Ayurveda suggests incorporating more warming foods into your diet. Spices, known for their warming properties, are commonly used in Ayurveda to support digestion and enhance flavor. These molasses cookies are infused with ginger, cinnamon, and cloves, which help counterbalance some of...
This delightful gluten-free coconut cake features fresh, moist coconut and reduced sugar for a more mindful treat. Topped with a light and creamy lemon Swiss buttercream frosting, it’s a comforting way to indulge as the weather cools. 8-inch spring form pan, greased, bottom lined with parchment...
Nopal is the Spanish word used for “prickly pear” or “tender cactus”. Farmed nopales are often of the species opuntia ficus-indica or opuntia matudae, although the pads of almost all opuntia species are edible. Nopal has flat, oval-shaped pads and bright colored fruit (prickly pear fruit)....
This is my gluten-free variation of the classic Persian Rose Petal and Pistachio Tea Cake. Now everyone can indulge in the exquisite flavors of Persian Rose Petal and Pistachio tea cake with a gluten-free twist. This Tri doshic delight offers a moist texture infused with...
Raspberry and chocolate are a divine combination and in this recipe I've layered them into a gluten free cheesecake with reduced sugar for a guiltless pleasure! This is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser at picnics, parties and and festivities. In terms of Ayurveda energetics, it...
GF Irish Oat bread warm from the oven makes for a delicious breakfast during the fall and winter months. Prep the recipe in the evening so the grains have a chance to absorb the liquid and then it cooks up quickly in the morning. This recipe...
GF Turkish Halva with rose water, pistachio and cacao nibs is a healthy snack that's easy to make. This no-bake recipe uses honey as a sweetener and can be adjusted to your preference. The topping variations are endless, so get creative, take pictures, and tag...
Elevate your barbeque with this beautifully stacked bison burger layered with heirloom tomatoes, fried eggplant slices and avocado. Served on top of a bed of radicchio and escarole with sides of umboshi paste, basil pesto and Grey Poupon mustard - your senses will explode! Makes 4...
Yellow mung dal is the hulled and split form of the popular green mung bean. Mung beans have many documented health benefits including ability to ameliorate hyperglycemia, hyperlipemia, and hypertension and prevent cancer and melanogenesis. In addition it has been documented that mung beans protect...
My dad is celiac and loves his sweets, so I created this Tahini-Espresso Chocolate chip cookie recipe for him for Father’s Day. It is a healthy alternative to the sugar-laden, processed foods sold in most supermarkets. It has a chewy texture and is infused with...
Snake gourd (Trichosanthes Cucumerina) is a wild fruit found in India, some parts of Asia and the northern region of Australia. It is a vine which climbs trees and unfurls flowers and fruits that hang to the ground. When purchasing snake gourd, look for fruits with...
Kids heading back to school? You got this! Yummy, healthy, gluten-free banana-plantain muffins with Cacao Chips may be prepped the night before and combined/cooked the next morning for a quick and delicious breakfast. Kids can slather with ghee or cream cheese for extra nutrition and healthy...
Check out these amaranth and red lentil veggie bites flavored with a blend of southwest spices and topped with cilantro jalapeño sauce. They are perfect for brunch, lunch, dinner or you may serve them as an appetizer. They are healthy and low calorie, especially if...
A quick winter weeknight meal that will warm your core and nourish your soul. I always have some pre-made spice mixes on hand from The Essential Ayurvedic Cookbook and “Moroccan Spice” is a favorite. It adds instant depth to any recipe to create an exotic...
Lemon, ginger and basil give a unique twist to this broccoli soup recipe. Suitable for all doshas, it is bursting with flavor and packed with vitamin C and healing ginger. Since it's the flu season, I have included optional herbs that are used in ayurveda...
These carrot muffins make a great addition to Sunday brunch or school lunch boxes! Seasoned with fresh ginger root, allspice, cinnamon and clove, they are packed with flavor and are low in sugar. The gluten-free flour blend includes heart-healthy whole oats and glucose-balancing millet flour...
Wild Atlantic lobster tail stacked on a vegan garbanzo bean salad makes a light, energizing lunch menu for summer or early fall. The vegan garbanzo bean salad can serve as a meal in and of itself making this menu ideal for guests with varying food...
Rich, chewy, dark chocolate with swirls of organic tahini - this chocolate tahini brownie cake is so decadent your guests will never know it’s gluten-free. Perfect with a cup of tea on a chilly autumn afternoon. If there happens to be any leftovers, it also...
Saturdays were made for a short stack of blueberry poppy seed pancakes! This recipe is made from a gluten-free base of flours with flax and poppy seeds for added nutrition and flavor. From an Ayurvedic perspective, these are tri-doshic (balancing to vata, pitta and kapha)...
Sesame Seed Granola Crisps are a versatile, nutrient dense vegan snack that taste amazing! They are gluten-free and a great alternative to bread or cookies. I like to use them as a garnish for soups, crumbled into my morning yogurt or onto salads. They will...
This amazing gluten-free, vegan loaf is made entirely with seeds, nuts and dried fruit. The recipe is similar to old world Danish rye bread recipes, minus the gluten-containing rye flour. Hearty, healthy and filling, the high fiber content will promote digestive health and weight loss....
Are you stressed out? Try this poppy seed tea cake! It’s gluten free and low in sugar so you can enjoy it for breakfast or a guilt-free snack any time of day. Poppy seeds have been used in Ayurveda and other ancient cultures for their many...
I couldn't decide if I wanted to make a scone or a cookie and came up with these amazing oatcakes! Very low in sugar, full of heart healthy, gluten-free oats and endless possibilities for variations. I eat them as a snack or for breakfast on...
Holidays stressing you out and wreaking havoc on your waistline? Check out these pumpkin pancakes with cranberry relish! Pumpkin is detoxifying and soothes the mind while the cranberries aid digestion. A perfect combination for the holiday season and throughout the fall and winter. These pancakes...
Risotto is an easy, healthy weeknight meal that is always a hit with family and friends. It's grounding for fall and satisfying for winter months. In this variation, I'm serving it with cranberry pesto and a splash of pumpkin puree - a delicious complement to...
Fresh ginger root puréed with roasted pumpkin makes a healthy, creamy soup that is perfect for fall, winter or spring. Vegan, tridoshic and delicious! This variation is garnished with arugula pesto and for the omnivores, I've added some lobster and shrimp. When cooking for a family or...
If you’re looking for a morning pick me up without the jitters from caffeine, you’ll love this delicious Cacao-Tulsi Latte. Lightly sweetened with natural dates and flavored with cinnamon stick, it is soothing to the nerves, nourishing to the heart and clarifying to the mind. (Makes...
Rosemary Infused Heirloom Scarlet Runners with Lemon Dressing - recipe from "The Essential Ayurvedic Cookbook" you can purchase at Amazon. Scarlet runner beans (also called Oregon lima bean or ayocote morado in Spanish) are native to Oaxaca, Mexico, and were among the first domesticated crops in Mexico...
There's nothing better to calm vata, relieve stress and soothe an anxious mind that a bowl of warm soup. Soup is grounding and healing. I was never a fan of split peas growing up. They are very astringent and drying, which make them more suitable...
Light and smooth, this purée of Swiss Chard and potato will make you want to eat more greens! I'm not a fan of leafy greens as they tend to be too dry and rough for my vata constitution. But Swiss Chard feels less bitter and...
Nothing says Sunday morning like corn muffins! Recipe from The Essential Ayurvedic Cookbook for gluten-free corn bread (recipe makes 7 muffins or one 8" loaf). Corn can have a dry and heating effect on the body - it is great for balancing kapha and is generally...
Dashi clear broth with gluten-free buckwheat soba noodles. Recipe for the dashi broth in The Essential Ayurvedic Cookbook available at Amazon. Dashi Broth is easy to make and can be stored in the freezer in 2 cup containers, ready to go when you need a quick...
This Lebanese Lentil Soup is gluten free and vegan (although you can also make it with ghee). Seasoned with sumac and thyme, it is well balanced for all the doshas. Eating an ayurveda diet doesn't have to include traditional Indian spices at all. The key to...
Pan seared halibut and beluga (black lentils) are an easy weeknight dinner. Make it elegant with a swirl of pureed beetroot and a roasted carrot "chip". The carrot chip is a fun way to get your kids interested in vegetables. Here they are sliced thin, brushed...
In the winter months our digestion is the strongest and the colder weather may have us craving foods that are warm and substantial. Chicken pot pie (or vegetarian pot pie) can fill the bill - and our tummies! You can also make this vegetarian, omit...
Rice bowls are fun and easy to put together for a quick week night dinner. This bowl has an overall warming and somewhat drying energetic that is perfect for cold, rainy weather. The bowl is vegan/vegetarian, but it could also be made with pan-fried fish for...
These roasted chickpeas are crunchy and spicy. They can be eaten plain as a healthy snack, or added to a salad or rice bowl to give your meal a little zip! From an energetic standpoint, garbanzo beans are cold and dry. The spices in this recipe...
Millet stuffed red kuri squash makes a delicious vegetarian, gluten-free, tri-doshic dinner (or side dish for lunch). Red kuri is a bright orange winter squash with a thin, edible skin. It's a great source of vitamins A and C, potassium, calcium and iron. The millet...
This quiche is great for holiday entertaining or a lazy Sunday brunch. It has a silky custard filling and an earthy buckwheat-mushroom crust which makes for a delectable combination. Recipe coming in my new e-book. Sign up for the email list to be alerted when the new...
Home-made chocolate syrup is an indulgent treat that is easy to make and doesn’t contain any of the chemicals found in pre-packaged products. I use it to make hot cocoa in the winter, but it can also be added to smoothies or used to top...
Squash blossoms are in season and popping up at farmers markets all over LA. Low in calories, high in calcium, iron, Vitamin A and C, these delicate beauties will add nutrition and sophistication to your summer menus! Look for blossoms with tightly closed buds. They are...
Light, creamy and low in sugar, this Lemon Mousse is easy to make. It is a delightful summer snack or finale to an elegant meal. Ingredients: 4 organic, eggs from pasture grazed chickens ½ cup organic sugar ¼ teaspoon salt 2 organic lemons (juice and zest) ¼ cup organic heavy cream ½ teaspoon...
Light and refreshing, this tequila-spiked kombucha is perfect for a summer party. I make this with GTS Synergy Mojito flavored Kombucha. It is loaded with healthy probiotics and macai berry and has no added sugars. I add a small amount of hand crafted El Tesoro...
It’s so easy to eat healthy when you have red lentils on hand! They cook in minutes, are nourishing to all three doshas and go well with so many seasonings. Here I have paired them with a spicy lemongrass paste which is ideal for balancing...
I did a little spring cleaning in my refrigerator and channeled Grandma Mary to come up with this light, tasty lunch. The base is made with celery root which has been used in ayurveda for treating high blood pressure, digestive weakness, inflammation and bacterial infections....
The winter and spring are seasons with cold and damp weather. Our bodies assimilate these external qualities and it can create congestion, mucus buildup and phlegm. When the lymphatic system gets congested, it can lead to sore throats, runny noses, respiratory infections and the flu. But...
Makhani is the Punjabi word for buttery, and this dish is essentially buttery lentils! I discovered this rich, creamy comfort food during my solo travels in India. It is ideal for cooler weather or anytime you need some self-nurturing. This is grounding for vata. Pitta...
This delicious smoothie will soothe your nerves and clear the clutter from your mind. About Tulsi: Tulsi, or “Holy Basil” was used by ancient cultures for its healing and rejuvenating qualities. In India, it is considered a sacred plant with sattvic characteristics. It is pungent, heating,...
Lotus seeds are a heart tonic and aphrodisiac and kabocha has been revered as an aphrodisiac in ancient cultures for centuries. Pippali is a rejuvenator and an aphrodisiac. Lemongrass is cleansing to the lymphatic system and it is calming to the body and mind. This...
This flavorful chickpea stew is light and warming - perfect for kapha or any dosha during the winter season. Healthy, easy to prepare and budget friendly you and your family will love this ayurveda recipe! Gluten-free, Vegan (Serves 6) 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 onions, peeled, chopped 2 cloves garlic ½ teaspoon...
This spicy lemongrass paste is ideal for balancing kapha in the spring and winter months (or any time the weather is cold and damp). It relieves sinus congestion and lymphatic stagnation. The combination of ingredients work together to promote overall health and well-being: lemongrass helps...
Celebrate the end of the fall harvest (aka pumpkin season) with this Chocolate Pumpkin Chai Latte using Tusli tea. Tulsi (or Holy Basil) is a sacred herb used in ayurveda for its rejuvenative properties. Naturally caffeine-free, it is a tonic for the nerves – perfect...
Ayurveda with a Mexican Twist! Do you think an ayurveda diet limits you to eating Indian curries? Think again. Ayurveda is about eating foods that are balancing to your constitution. Balance can be achieved by adjusting the quantity of food, the combinations of food and varying the...
This velvety smooth cake uses pureed roasted chestnuts instead of wheat flour. The taste is decadent, but it's relatively light because of the whipped egg whites folded into the batter. This is a great holiday dessert, but make it any time you feel like a...
When you're running late and don't have time for breakfast whip up this delicious Oatmeal Smoothie and take your breakfast “to go”. Comforting and warming, it has heart-healthy oats and almond butter protein to kick start your day. Low in sugar, it is a healthy, fun breakfast...
My local co-op market had purple sweet potatoes which I made into a lovely soup. Their purple color comes from anthocyanins (the pigments responsible for the red and purple in cherries, strawberries and purple carrots). Anthocyanins have beneficial health effects (they scavenge cancer-causing free radicals,...
This is a Yucatan-influenced lime and chicken soup that is comforting and healing. Traditionally, it is made with "lima agria" or bitter lime, but if you cannot find those, substitute regular limes or key limes. From an ayurvedic standpoint, this soup is well combined and has...
Served warm, this tri-doshic salad is suitable for fall. This is a good example of ayurveda food combining and representing the six tastes (sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter and astringent). Ingredients are gluten-free, real food: rainbow quinoa, french lentils, pumpkin seeds, escarole, lemon zest, fresh mint and...
Easy and elegant, this fall soup works equally well as an antidote for a long day at the office or the main dish for a last minute casual dinner party. Lightly seasoned with mint and a hint of tarragon, this delicious vegetarian meal is easy to make with...
Baklava reinvented for fall and health-conscious foodies! This delicious pumpkin-spiced baklava has a rich flavor and texture that will please everyone. I've reduced the butter and sugar, so go ahead and indulge with this healthier version of the traditional Turkish treat. If you haven’t worked with phyllo...
Sweet and sour, this gazpacho is a perfect ayurveda summertime appetizer that will stoke your digestive fire. Serve at room temperature or lightly chilled. Gluten-free, soy-free, vegan, vegetarian (Yield: 4 appetizer-size servings) 8 Tomatillos, husked, quartered 1 onion, quartered 1 small jalapeño, seeded, halved 1 garlic clove, peeled, halved 1 tablespoon sunflower oil 1...
The holidays just got less stressful! You can make this delicious, healthy loaf in minutes then have plenty of time to enjoy the company of your guests. Seasonal sustenance and clean eating for the fall and winter. Serve with brown rice, maple-roasted Brussels sprouts and Ginger...
Kabocha and okra are abundant in the fall and are ideal for grounding vata. The skin of kabocha is edible, but make sure it is “organic” to avoid pesticide contamination. Serve along with cranberry sauce to add a colorful side-dish to your holiday spread! Serves 4...
Laced with paprika and a splash of lemon, this easy to make chicken will liven up your weeknight meal. Leftovers can be served cold the next day with Radiccio Fennel Salad or Persian-spiced Quinoa Salad for lunch. Serves 2 Marinade: 3 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1...
Quinoa, which is cooling and a little dry, is great for pitta dosha and summer salads. Here, I have incorporated Persian-inspired ingredients to add some zest and round out the energetics for all doshas. The addition of chickpeas boosts the protein content, making it a healthy, balanced main-dish...
Kitchari: An ayurvedic Recipe for Healing and Cleansing Kitchari is an ayurvedic stew for cleansing and restoring the body. It is made with mung dal (split green mung beans) and basmati rice which are delicately spiced to aid digestion, stimulate removal of toxins and restore your...
Ghee is highly regarded in ayurveda and is considered to both detoxify and rejuvenate at the same time. It is made by cooking down butter until the liquid evaporates and the milk solids sink to the bottom of the pan. The end result is the...
This is a lighter, healthier variation of traditional dal fry - the spicy Punjabi dish made from a mixture of dals and liberal doses of ghee and chili. This version is suitable for spring, winter and kapha constitutions. It is rather spicy, so pitta constitutions...
This is a great vinaigrette for cold, damp spring weather. The radishes are pungent and drying while the rice syurp lends a balancing sweet note. Served over watercress salad, it is perfect for weathering the seasonal influences and taming kapha! Makes 3/4 cup 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 cup...
Spring is cool and damp and most closely related to kapha dosha. Regardless of your constitution (or dosha), everyone will feel the seasonal influences. You may feel heavy and sluggish and possibly experience sinus congestion or allergies. This light, warming kapha spring tea is perfect...
Mirpoix (pronounced "meer-pwah") is a combination of diced carrots, celery and onions that is used to add depth to soups, stocks and stews. Here it is used as the base from which additional ingredients are woven to create layers of subtle flavors. This tri-doshic vegetarian...
"Chai" means tea in Sanskrit and in India it generally means a sweet blend of black tea, milk and spices. The ratio and selection of spices varies according to family recipes and regional preferences. This version is mildly sweetened with raw honey and made with...
Kabocha is a delicious squash that is often referred to as "Japanese Pumpkin". It is sweeter and moister than a pumpkin, but less sweet than a yam. It is reputed to be an aphrodisiac and loaded with vitamin A & C - kabocha will keep you healthy through the...
Light and nutritious, this side dish is also easy to make and tastes great! Serve with couscous, quinoa or fish. This is suitable for summer and fall and is ideal for pitta and vata; kapha can eat in moderation with the addition of some cayenne...
A healthy, low calorie summer snack with lots of versatility for time-pressed individuals who find themselves eating on the go! This lemony hummus recipe is carefully seasoned to be tri-doshic (balancing to all constitutions – even vata! (Gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, vegetarian) Get this recipe at: "The Essential Ayurvedic...
These tri-doshic patties are delicious and freeze well. Top with avocado for brunch or non-vegetarians can serve with a poached egg. (gluten-free, soy-free and vegan) Get this recipe and more at "The Essential Ayurvedic Cookbook". All images and content on this site are copyright protected. Please do...
Cooling & cleansing, this is a great summer meal after a long week (or weekend!). Mung dal stokes the digestive fire and helps to burn toxins. Burdock root is cooling and cleansing to the liver, blood and lymphatic system; its diuretic effects aid in the...
Fast, easy and healthy, this will soon become your "go to" weeknight meal. Leftovers pack up well for lunch the next day! Gluten-free, Dairy-free, Soy-free, Vegetarian Makes 2 servings ¾ cup red quinoa, rinsed (or ⅓ cup red and ⅓ cup white) 1½ cups water ⅛ cup of scallion, ends...
The perfect recipe for summer to beat the heat. Cool down and cleanse your liver with this pitta-pacifying, summer tonic. Makes two 12-ounce servings. 4 cups kale, rinsed, lower stems trimmed 1 cup aloe vera juice 1 cup water ⅛ -¼ of a lemon, with peel (seeds removed) 1 tablespoon dulse ½...
This is an amazing gluten-free Indian flat bread (roti) with a soft, chewy texture that even gluten-eaters will enjoy! Easy to make, it can be spiced to accompany traditional Indian dishes, or you can change the tone by omitting/substituing cumin, turmeric and ajwain (vegetarian, gluten-free,...
Chewy Choco-Orange Coconut Macaroons are a delight for those on a gluten-free diet. Low in sugar, they are a healthy indulgence for kids and will satisfy your cravings for sweet. Flavored with orange zest and topped with melted Green & Black 85% dark chocolate, this makes a great...