Cheers to finding common ground in unexpected places!
After our recent trip to the mountains in Spain, a new drink has become a staple in my household (thanks to Briony!). Despite not being a fan of smoothies due to my preference for chewing, this particular drink has won me over. I have been experimenting with various ingredients, as in Ayurveda, the ingredients used should be tailored to each individual's needs. For food to act as medicine, it must cater to the specific needs of each person.
My almost teenage son enjoys it for breakfast, while I prefer it as a midday snack since I typically skip breakfast. Although I do not follow intermittent fasting diet, I adhere to the Ayurvedic principle of eating only when hungry, given my slow digestion. For those with slow digestion who follow Ayurveda, intermittent fasting occurs naturally. As I am currently experiencing menopause, I have added additional ingredients to help balance my hormones. Below is the basic recipe along with some optional additions.
Ingredients for one serving:
- 1/2 cup of oats (preferably dry roasted or soaked overnight) *
- 1 cup of plant-based milk (oats, almond, or coconut) **
- 2 dates or 10 raisins (preferably soaked overnight) ***
- 1 apple or pear
- 5 almonds (preferably soaked overnight) **
- Cinnamon, ginger, or any ground sweet spice mix diluted in a small amount of hot water beforehand ****
Optional additions:
- 1 heaped teaspoon of honey or maple syrup
- 1 heaped teaspoon of peanut butter
- 1 heaped teaspoon of tahini
- 1 heaped teaspoon of Ashwagandha or Shatavari or Maca powder for balanced hormones - only for women in this particular recipe but please contact an Ayurveda practitioner for further information regarding their use and benefits.
- 1 tablespoon of sesame, poppy, or chia seeds (preferably dry roasted) *
- A heaped teaspoon of sugar-free cocoa powder or cocoa nibs
Method:
Blend all the ingredients together and adjust the consistency by adding more or less plant-based milk to achieve your desired thickness.
Tips:
* Dry roasting oats and seeds enhances ‘Agni' or digestive fire in Ayurvedic cooking, aiding in nutrient absorption and waste elimination.
** Using plant-based milk is recommended when mixing with fruit to follow Ayurvedic guidelines on dairy consumption and food combinations.
*** Soaking raisins and almonds overnight reduces bloating and potential constipation caused by dry foods.
**** Diluting spices in hot water releases their properties, which can also be achieved by cooking them or diluting them in oil.
What other ingredients would you incorporate into this drink?