There is no time of day with more potential for abundance than the morning. Think of that sense of autonomy! We have the power to set ourselves up for success each day.
In order to prepare our bodies to take on the day, we need to make sure we are eating a breakfast that supports our gut health rather than putting strain on our digestive tract. To all my caffeine lovers, this means holding off a few minutes on your acidic morning coffee. I know it's tough but try filling your belly with a nourishing meal first. The good news is, I have the perfect recipe to do just that: Stewed Apples.
Ayurvedic Benefits of Stewed Apples
Stewed apples are not only hearty, comforting and delicious, but they aid digestion. Apples on their own contain useful health benefits. When stewed with warming spices, this powerful fruit comes to life. In fact according to Ayurvedic thought, Stewed Apples are a tridoshic dish, meaning it serves the qualities of Vata, Kapha and Pitta, as well as, all types of digestion.
Not only will "an apple a day keep the doctor away", but it's an extra special commodity because in it's raw state it's considered astringent, where when it's cooked, it takes on a sweeter taste. Some other foods like onions also have that superpower.
Before we get into the recipe, let's go over the types of digestion from an Ayurvedic perspective in order to better understand the health benefits of Stewed Apples.
Types of Digestion According to Ayurveda:
Balanced digestion (sama agni): Digestion is strong as you eat balanced quantities of food at regular intervals. This consistency and attention to serving size helps build balanced tissues (dhatus).
Variable digestion (vishama agni): Digestion varies- sometimes it is sluggish and other times is is strong. This agni causes variable states in tissue (dhatu). This type typically occurs for people with Vata tendencies.
Slow digestion (manda agni): Food is not digested efficiently, even in moderate quantities. Due to the slow quality, the tissues (dhatus) formed are low in quality and higher in quantity. This type typically occurs for people with Kapha tendencies.
Sharp digestion (tiksna agni): Food is digested quickly in large quantities and/or if eaten frequently. If food is consumed in smaller quantities, the digestive tract becomes irritated and burns tissues (dhatus). This type typically occurs for people with Pitta tendencies
Stewed Apples is the perfect meal for the morning because its qualities regulate vishama agni, kindle manda agni and slow tiksna agni! It's the perfect breakfast. Now let's get to the recipe.
Breakfast Stewed Apples
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Yield: enough for 1 person
Ingredients:
1 cup of water
1 medium size organic apple, cubed
2 dates (or 1 small handful raisins or another dried fruit of choice)
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp cardamom
¼ tsp dry ginger
1 tsp ghee (clarified butter)
Optional: 1 little drizzle of maple syrup
Optional: 1 pinch nutmeg
Instructions:
1. Wash, core, peel and cut the apple. If you don’t have time to peel, at least wash, cut and core the fruit into cubes.
2. Combine water, apple, dates and all spices in small pan, bring to a boil, and then turn down heat to medium-low for 5 minutes. Apple should be soft and somewhat translucent. Different types of apples take different amounts of time to cook, so check often.
3. Once the apples are done, add 1 tsp of ghee. (At this stage, I also like to add a little drizzle of maple syrup or a pinch of nutmeg)
4. Cool, bless and enjoy! Don’t be afraid to drink the “apple juice” left in the pan afterwards; it’s filled with amazing digestive spices.
Note: This recipe can also be done with pears. It'll require more water and time, but another delicious alternative!
Start Your Day with the Perfect Breakfast
So many clients tell me, "I'm just not a morning person." I get it; I used to feel similarly! But I began to build morning rituals that promote calm, comfort and nourishment. As a result my body and my mind feel grounded and I am more ready to meet the challenges of the day. I've come to deeply appreciate the morning and I hope you will too.
Try adding Stewed Apples to your repertoire of breakfast recipes and notice how you feel afterward. Your digestive tract will thank you, I promise. As always, if your try the recipe, please reach out and share your experience!
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