Earthy nourishment as we transition to autumn

Carrot & chickpea curry

Thank you to joyfulbelly.com - a rich source of ayurvedic recipes for all doshas & seasons.

Ingredients

• 6 carrots

• 1/4 tsp cayene or fresh chilli to your taste (modify if you are pitta dominant!)

• 1 can/equiv chick peas (garbanzo)

• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

• 1/2 tsp cloves

• 1/2 tsp cumin

• 1/4 tsp fenugreek

• 1/2 tsp ground ginger / 2 tsp fresh

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp oil or water

• 2 whole tomatoes

• 1 onion (can be omitted)

PREPARATION

1. Grind / mix all spices with a small amount of water to form a paste

2. Chop tomato & crush, keeping the liquid

3. Sautee finely sliced onion in oil or water - as onion begins to brown, add spices and stir

4. Sautee for 15 seconds, then add crushed tomato, chickpeas, carrots, and cover with water

5. Bring to a boil then lower heat to simmer until carrots are tender

6. Garnish with fresh coriander (cilantro)

7. Serve alone, with rice, or roti

How can this Ayurvedic recipe make you feel great?

Combining mild chickpeas and sweet carrots with pungent ginger, cayenne, cinnamon, and cumin, bitter fenugreek, aromatic cloves and earthy onions creates a complex, sweet, spicy, sweet and savoury meal that is warming and counters the coolness of autumn.

The fibre in chickpeas is nearly 75% insoluble which remains undigested as it reaches the colon. This significantly bulks up stools making it cleansing for the colon (though not tolerated by some). As with many high fiber foods, beans have been shown to reduce cholesterol, perhaps because of its flushing effect on the gall bladder. The high protein content in beans helps rebuild and repair muscle tissue.

Heavy, hearty curries are a staple of Indian home cooking. Chickpea curry in particular gives the nourishing sensation of comfort. The reason is that chickpeas have a higher amount of tryptophan than other legumes. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that helps to regulate sleep and emotions. Just like leaning back satisfied after eating a great meal, the tryptophan in chickpea curries makes you feel calm, relaxed, and content. Using chickpeas adds a soothing, comfort food feeling that makes this dish satisfying.
The spices all carry medicinal properties that are perfect for fall. Ginger is a zingy herb that helps keep the body healthy through cold and damp conditions, and helps to make many foods more digestible for those with mucousy digestive symptoms. Dried ginger is extremely pungent, a strong medicine that clears congestion by burning it away with spicy strength. Ginger also stokes the digestive fire, aiding those with sluggish digestion, and can act as a stimulant, clearing out the fog. This is quite helpful as temperatures drop at the beginning of cold and flu season. Additionally, cumin is a stimulating and drying lung tonic.