Dandelion flower buds in ghee and Lemon.

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Dandelions is not only a remedy but a food that can empower your vitality, digestion and weight  control. This generous plant, offer root, leaves and flowers to be prepare in different forms.

Here one of my favorite dish using the spring flower buds. Great for all doshas, specially for pitta and for pitta conditions like inflammations.

This food is low in Saturated Fat, and very low in Cholesterol. It is also a good source of Folate, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Copper, and a very good source of Dietary Fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Vitamin K, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Calcium, Iron, Potassium and Manganese.

Cacao and Blueberry Salad

A quick and nutrient-packed summertime snack that’s great for all doshas. Cacao beans are full of nutrients and antioxidants, and support the circulatory system and lower cholesterol.  The bean is also known to enhance your mood, improve your focus and suppress a cough!  Cacao is stimulating (can increase Vata), heating (increasing Pitta) and can be fattening (increasing Kapha) if taken in excess, but delicious in moderation.

Ingredients:

½ cup organic or local blueberries (tridoshic)

2 tbsp raw cacao nibs

1 tbsp hemp seeds (omit for Kapha)

Directions:

Throw together in a bowl and enjoy with a spoon.

Digestive Green Pesto

This elegant pesto is both light and satisfying, making great use of kale and any herbs you may have left in the kitchen. Ideal for Pittas and Kaphas. We’ve omitted garlic and onion from the recipe to support your meditation.

Makes: 2 ½ cups

Ingredients:

3 cups         chopped kale

4 stalks         chopped celery

1 handful chopped fresh herbs (basil, coriander, nettles)

2 tbsp         walnuts or sunflower seeds, toasted to enhance flavor

½  tsp         nutritional yeast

1         lemon or lime (juice & skin)

4 tbsp         olive oil (to taste, or more, depending on the consistency

2 tsp maple syrup (optional)

        salt to taste

Directions:

Blanch kale and celery on a stove for 3-5 minutes, then combine all ingredients in a food processor for about 2 minutes. Taste and see if it needs more of something, like salt or nutritional yeast. Serve while still warm over basmati rice or the grain of your choice, including quinoa (Vata- and Kapha-reducing), barley (Pitta- and Kapha-reducing) or millet (Kapha-reducing).  Also lovely on salad or cooked veggies!

Variations: 

You can vary the greens to suit your taste. Vatas can choose almonds, pecans, pine nuts or walnuts. Sunflower seeds are tridoshic. Lemon is best for Vata and Kapha (heating) and lime is best for Pitta. Sun dried tomatoes are also a lovely addition. 

Enjoy!