Ayurvedic Foods
Basmati
Rice
Flavorful,
long-grained, aromatic Basmati rice is revered as a sattvic (pure)
food by ayurvedic healers. Basmati rice is excellent for pacifying
Vata, especially when cooked with
a touch of rock salt and ghee. Basmati rice is also good for pacifying
Pitta, as it falls in the sweet
ayurvedic taste category. To pacify Pitta, enjoy Basmati rice
in a rice pudding, or cooked with a pinch of cardamom and some
rose water. If you are trying to balance Kapha,
eat smaller portions of Basmati rice and eat it less often than
other grains. Cook the rice with peppercorns, ginger and cumin
when trying to balance Kapha, and eat it at lunch rather than
in the evening.
Historically,
the best, most flavorful Basmati rice has come from the Himalayan
foothills. Basmati rice is now widely grown in many other parts
of the world. Aged Basmati rice is more flavorful, and needs a
little more time and a little more water to cook to perfection
than 'new' Basmati rice.
Basmati
rice is available at Indian and Asian groceries and in many health
food stores and supermarkets. Store the raw rice in a clean, tightly-sealed
container in a cool, dry, dark place. Wash well by rinsing multiple
times (until the water runs clear) before cooking.
