Baked Rice

 I made a simple meal today. I started with Mung dal, and some Baked Rice (page 169). The baked rice had a little of the delicacy of the Chelo-Persian rice recipe but much easier to make. I added cumin seeds and garnished with parsley.

Dried Tomato Paste

Although the photograph of the Dried Tomato Paste from page 506 isn't much to look at, I felt it was important to include in my blog. The dark color of the paste is because the tomatoes are dried and therefore they are very flavorful. Tomatoes aggravate all 3 doshas because of their high acid content but dried tomatoes are much less acidic than fresh ones. So with this recipe I'm able to make tomato paste to replace canned tomato paste and be kinder to my tummy.

Mango-Date Lassi

Mango-Date Lassi on page 491 is another fabulous way to drink your lassi. Cardamom and mango taste great together.

Khichari (Savory Dal and Rice)

Since we were in desperate need of a easy to digest meal that would pacify vata (which has been disturbed by 4 days of travel) I made Khichari today. I made it using mung beans and rice. I also added some celery in the mixture. I have to say that not only did it taste phenomenal but my entire physiology felt calmed and soothed. This is a recipe that I can use as a starting point for many delicious calming meals. Miriam says in her book that Khichari is an important Ayurvedic dish to balance all doshas and is served during Panchakarma.

Cakik (Cucumbers with Yogurt, Dill and Mint)

The recipe I made today is Cakik (page 305) and the ingredients are cucumber, yogurt, dill and mint. It is very simple and delicious. I'm not really sure what makes it different from a Raita (yogurt salad) other than maybe the spices. Miriam says this is a traditional Armenian dish, anyway it's very good.

Apricot Couscous

I tried the Apricot Couscous on page 59 with Israeli couscous which is larger than regular couscous. This is a new favorite go-to recipe for couscous. I used cashews since I didn't have blanched almonds but I'm sure I'll get tons of use from this recipe using different dried fruits and nuts. The recipe makes your ordinary couscous extraordinary.