Turmeric-Blueberry Oatmeal with Flax

According to Ayurveda, oats are valued for increasing vitality and supporting the nervous system, helping to relieve stress and tension. Their high silicon content promotes the renewal of connective tissues and the maintenance of healthy arterial walls. Oats also soothe the stomach and intestines, and may help lower cholesterol. For optimal benefits, always choose organic rolled oats over quick-cooking varieties, which are considered to lack prana (vital energy).

Here are suggested spices for each dosha, tailored to this oat recipe:

Vata (balancing, warming, grounding):

• Cardamom
• Cinnamon
• Ginger (fresh or ground)
• Nutmeg
• Clove

Pitta (cooling, calming, sweet):

• Cardamom
• Cinnamon (in moderation)
• Coriander
• Fennel
• Turmeric (small amounts)

Kapha (stimulating, warming, lightening):

• Ginger (ground or fresh)
• Black pepper
• Clove
• Cinnamon
• Turmeric

You can adjust the spice blend in your oats based on your current dosha balance or the season. For example:

• For Vata, increase cinnamon, cardamom, and a pinch of nutmeg.
• For Pitta, emphasize cardamom, fennel, and a little turmeric.
• For Kapha, use extra ginger, black pepper, and turmeric.

These suggestions help make your oats more supportive of each constitution according to Ayurvedic principles.

Ingredients for V- K- P+:
● ⅔ cup rolled oats (can be soaked overnight)
● 1 ½ cups water
● 1 tsp turmeric powder
● ½ tsp ginger powder
● 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
● ¼ tsp ground cardamom
● black pepper
● maple syrup, to taste
● ⅓ cup blueberries
● 1-2 tbsp flax seeds
● 2 tbsp plant-based milk (optional)

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Method:
1. Mix 2/3 cup oats with 1½ cups water in a small saucepan and place over
low-medium heat, partly covered. Add ginger and turmeric powder while cooking.

2. Grind the seeds of 1 cardamom pod in a mortar & pestle (or by crushing and chopping finely with a knife), discarding the green shell (if using powder, add just a pinch), and add to oats, along with the cinnamon and a couple of cracks of black pepper.

3. Add blueberries and stir gently over low heat for about 10 minutes, until the mixture thickens and the berries soften. Before serving, stir in the flax seeds, drizzle with maple syrup to taste, and add a touch of plant-based milk if desired.