Alakananda's "Cool as a Cucumber" Soup
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This is a wonderful Pitta-soothing soup to make with seasonal produce. You can use either cucumber or zucchini (courgettes) or a combination. Zucchini is pitta soothing, but not so strongly as cucumber, which has an abundance of the astringent taste. Serve this soup warm or at room temperature. Serving it chilled violates a basic principle of Ayurveda: "all food room temperature or above.”
Serves 6-8
Ingredients
3 cucumbers
2-3 tbsp chopped mint leaves
1-2 tbsp grated orange peel
8 oz vegetable stock
1 qt plain almond milk (carrageenan free)
(optional) 2 tsp non-alcoholic white wine
salt and pepper to taste
Method
Slice the cucumber or zucchini (courgettes) and steam them in a steamer basket. When they are tender, blend them with the water from the steamer and the other ingredients. Bring back almost to a boil and allow the ingredients to steep and combine flavors (10 - 30 min) Boiling is okay, but it changes the flavor and value of the mint and affects the vitamins in the orange peel. Serve with a sprig of fresh mint in each bowl. For non-vegans, you could add a blob of sour cream in the center of the bowl. Enjoy!
Alakananda Ma M.B., B.S. (Lond.) is an Ayurvedic Doctor (NAMA) and graduate of a top London medical school. She is co-founder of Alandi Ayurveda Clinic and Alandi Ayurveda Gurukula in Boulder Colorado, as well as a spiritual mother, teacher, flower essence maker and storyteller. Alakananda is a well known and highly respected practitioner in the Ayurveda community both nationally and internationally.
Enliven your holistic health! Visit Alakananda Ma in Alandi Ashram’s ayurvedic clinic to support the overall rejuvenation of your body, mind, and spirit. In-person and virtual appointments available. Book now!
