Our favourite Ayurvedic recipes for the festive season

Forget about the popular saying, ‘you are what you eat.’ In Ayurveda, you are what you digest and what you eat isn’t the only thing that’s important - when, how and why can also play a huge role in our overall health. 

Ayurveda is all about having a balanced approach to life and diet and says that when we do eat, it should be mindful, healthy and with gratitude. Not just that but the ingredients we choose should be easily digestible, fresh and satisfy all of our senses. 

There’s also six tastes - sweet, sour, salty, bitter, pungent and astringent - that should be in our diets every day. The order you eat these tastes in, and the quantity, will depend on your individual dosha make-up and what your body needs. Without these tastes, our body and mind can suffer from cravings, lethargy and illness. 

But don’t worry, Ayurvedic cooking isn’t as difficult as it seems. In fact, there’s a whole host of delicious dishes that nourish our mind, body and gut. Here are some of our favourite Ayurvedic recipes to get you back to balance:

1. Kitchari

Best for: A complete cleanse

If you’ve seen our four-day Ayurvedic detox, you’ll have come across this dish before. If not, it’s a filling and nutritious meal made up of rice, mung beans and spices. It’s one of the most easily digestible and detoxifying dishes out there. Some people even add fresh vegetables to give the Kitchari extra punch. Not only is it filling but it eliminates toxins, improves digestion, boosts energy and keeps your bowel moving. 

2. Turmeric Falafel

Best for: Its anti-inflammatory properties

This Ayurvedic falafel recipe is packed with flavour and plenty of health benefits. Using mung beans instead of chickpeas means that it helps to balance all three doshas too. By seasoning it with Ayurvedic super-herbs and spices such as Turmeric and Cumin, it means this tasty snack does wonders for the body.

3. Healing Turmeric Smoothie

Best for: Kickstarting your day

As one of the most popular spices in Ayurvedic medicine, this brightly-coloured smoothie is a great way to start your day. Boasting Ginger and Ginseng, it awakens your senses, gets the body working from the inside-out and also has a myriad of anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing factors.

4. Ayurvedic Oatmeal

5. Ayurvedic Potatoes and Cauliflower

Best for: A taste sensation

This food combines flavour, spice, and bundles of health benefits - and proves that healthy eating doesn’t just have to be about brown rice and lentils. Simply cook your vegetables with chilli, garlic and Turmeric and sprinkle some Cumin and Mustard Seeds on. It makes for a great warming snack or dinner in the colder seasons.

6. Ginger Elixir

Best for: Supporting a healthy digestion

Also known as an Ayurvedic digestive drink, this Ginger Elixir is ideal during the colder months.  It works by firing up the digestive system, acting as a natural antioxidant and cleansing the body from the inside. Not only is it great if you’re looking to keep things moving but can also help with healthy weight loss. Plus, did we mention the ginger zing is great for waking you up on a dark morning!

Of course, this is just a selection of the incredible Ayurvedic meals that are out there. You can also give your body an extra helping hand by taking a daily supplement. 

At Deja, we’ve combined years of experience and a passion for the Ayurveda way of life to create a range of natural capsules that support the mind, body and gut and are designed to be taken alongside a healthy diet. Plus, if you’re pressed for time in the kitchen, you can get your daily dose of Turmeric in with our Gold Shield capsules.