My Vedic Life

Vata, Pitta & Kapha pacifying (with dosha-specific ingredients)

YIELD: 2 servings PREP: 5 minutes COOK: 15 minutes

One of the most popular questions I hear is, “What should I eat for breakfast?” Since Ayurveda doesn’t like mixing fruit with other foods, because they digest at different rates, people can be confused over things like yogurt with fruit, oatmeal with berries, or cold cereal with sliced fruit. So here is a recommendation: Eat your fruit about 45 minutes before your main meal so that it does not disturb your digestion. Try this porridge any time of year. It’s deeply satisfying and should give you long-lasting energy throughout the morning.

• 1 cup quinoa (for Pitta or Kapha), or 1 cup millet (for Kapha), or 1 cup rice (for Vata)
• 2 cups water
• ½ cup goat’s milk (for Pitta, Kapha, and Vata), or almond milk (for Vata)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ginger powder
• ½ teaspoon pea protein powder, chia seeds, or ground flaxseeds (optional for power boost)
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
• 1 teaspoon ghee (optional for Vata and Pitta) or ½ teaspoon ghee (optional for Kapha)

1. Rinse the quinoa, millet, or rice well. In a 4-quart saucepan, combine the grain and water, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover. Simmer until all the water is absorbed.
2. In a separate 2-quart saucepan, add the milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger, and heat gently over low heat.
3. Divide the grain into two servings, and pour an even amount of the hot milk and spices on top.
4. If using the optional power boost, stir half the pea protein powder, chia seeds, or flaxseeds into each bowl.
5. Add the maple syrup or honey and the ghee, if using. Either stick with the grain or seed recommended for your dosha or choose your grain or seed seasonally. In the winter, use millet or rice, and in the spring and summer, use quinoa.