In class I was told that I am pitta, qualities reflecting the elements of fire and water. Doshas (vata, pitta, kapha) can tell you a lot about a person, what you should eat, reflects your physical features and personality. So when you are pitta, we are instructed to avoid sour and salty foods. Examples of these foods are ginger, garlic, salt and pepper as well juicy fruit and dairy. I enjoy cooking. For me it is difficult, because salt and pepper are common ingredients in my regular cooking. For instance, I like to cook Italian and all you need is a green salad, some olive oil and some sea salt and ground pepper.
So this is very challenging for me. But I find a light and delicious recipe that reduces some of these: “Couscous with asparagus and peas”. I have made this great summer dish several times. It is from www.epicurious.com. As a pitta person it is good to eat more leafy greens, healing herbs and all grains.
HOW TO PREPARE THESE RECIPE?
Prepare the couscous according to the package instructions. Heat olive oil in a nonstick pan over high heat, add fresh roasted asparagus and peas (I added corn, other vegetables like spinach and artichokes would also be good), cook it until it is crisp-tender. Then combine the couscous and vegetables. I am a big fan of the greens. So, you can halve the couscous or double the veggies. Just try what you prefer.
If you are one of the other doshas you can serve it with a lemon dressing.
For the dressing you need 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest. Whisk all the ingredients in a bowl and drizzle the dressing over the couscous. Season with salt and pepper.
You may not be able to substitute all the ingredients you should not have according to your dosha, but you should be aware of it.
HAPPY COOKING!
Sabrina, 200Hr YTTC, September 2015
