Apple Recipes for Vata, Pitta, and Kapha

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Apple is known in Sanskrit as sevam. According to the text Bhavprakash, apple is sweet in taste and post digestive effect, cold in potency, heavy in action, nourishing, reduces vata and pitta, promotes semen production. Apple's beneficial effects for vata will be increased by cooking it. Apple lowers cholesterol and so helps kapha.

In honour of this year's extraordinary apple harvest in Boulder, here are apple recipes for each constitution.

Vata breakfast--spiced stewed apples for vata

This recipe is nice and laxative for vata, with the pectin from the apples and the addition of soaked prunes and figs.

Pre-prep

Soak the prunes and figs overnight

Ingredients:

  • 2 sweet apples

  • 4 prunes, soaked overnight

  • 2 black mission figs, soaked overnight

  • 6 whole cloves

  • 1 inch piece cinnamon stick

  • 3 green cardamom pods, split.

  • If it's a cold day, add 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

Directions:

  1. Core the apples and chop into 1" pieces (do not peel unless your digestion is extremely delicate)

  2. Add to a pot skin side down, with spices and soaked dried fruit

  3. Add the soak water from the prunes and figs

  4. If need be add more water, to cover the fruit

  5. Bring to a boil, cover

  6. Cook on low for 15 - 20 minutes or until apples are tender

  7. Eat warm

  8. You may accompany with yoghurt, cream, coconut butter or coconut custard

Recipe adapted from http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/vegetarian-recipes/spiced-stewed-apples.php

Pitta Breakfast: Spiced stewed apples for pitta

Ingredients:

  • 2 sweet apples

  • 1 Tbsp raisins or chopped dates

  • 1 Tbsp slivered almonds, toasted

  • 1 Tbsp unsweetened flaked coconut, toasted

  • 6 whole cloves

  • 1 inch piece cinnamon stick

  • 3 green cardamom pods, split.

  • If it's a cold day, add 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

Directions:

  1. Core the apples and chop into 1" pieces Add to a pot skin side down, with spices, raisins or dates and most of the toasted nuts

  2. Add 1 cup water or enough to cover

  3. Bring to a boil, cover

  4. Cook on low for 15 - 20 minutes or until apples are tender

  5. Garnish with the rest of the almonds ad coconut

  6. Eat warm

  7. You may accompany with yoghurt, cream, coconut butter or coconut custard

Kapha's Treat: Baked Apple

  • 4 large good baking apples, such as Braeburn, Granny Smith or Jonagold

  • 1/4 cup crushed jaggery or date sugar

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 12 cloves

  • 1/4 cup currants

  • 1 Tbsp ghee or coconut oil

  • 3/4 cup boiling water or ginger tea.

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Wash apples. Remove cores to 1/2 inch of the bottom of the apples. It helps if you have an apple corer, but if not, you can use a paring knife to cut out first the stem area, and then the core. Use a spoon to dig out the seeds. Make the holes about 3/4-inch to an inch wide.

3. In a small bowl, combine the sweetener, cinnamon and currants. Place apples in a 8-inch-by-8-inch square baking pan. Stuff each apple with this mixture. Press 3 cloves into each one. Top with blob of ghee or coconut oil.

4. Add boiling water or ginger tea to the baking pan. Bake 30-40 minutes, until tender, but not mushy. Remove from the oven and baste the apples several times with the pan juices.

Enjoy!

Adapted from http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/baked_apples/

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!