Ayurveda is a way of living, a science of life based on traditional Ayurvedic medicine principles which define our health as a whole, a true balance between body, spirit and mind. In order to achieve this state of equilibrium, it is important to carry out a Ayurvedic diet centered around the 6 “Rasa”, i.e. our 6 fundamental tastes, as the flavors of the ingredients we each are therapy for the mind and soul.
Ayurveda is becoming more and more popular in the western culture, to the extent that foodservice professional have also started to give the practice a voice; notably, Xavier Pellicer, Spanish Michelin Star chef, who recently published a book called “Healthy Kitchen”, where he talked about his specialization in pulses and Ayurvedic nutrition. In a recent interview, by Spanish magazine Cocina Futuro, Xavier Pellicer mentions that an key characteristic in an Ayurvedic diet is the way pulses are cooked, as they are considered a vegetable protein, so are not cooked with animal protein. In addition, properly soaking pulses is essential, as well as a few other cooking tricks to help facilitate their digestion, contribute towards reducing flatulence and making them in general less heavy and easier to make digest.
The six Rasa are essential for a healthy balance. Each flavor is related to a dosha, i.e. an energy, and by combining them together they complete the essence and personality of a person. A curious fact in Ayurveda is that one should always start a meal on a “sweet” note, as the sweet flavors are oily, unctuous and refreshing and help convey calm. So when hunger, one should first start with a calming element, to allow us to lower our anxiety and slow down. The “sweet” taste will help to regulate our gastric juices and enzymes, calm the nerves and consequently reduce our amount of intake.
The versatility of pulses makes them the perfect component of the Ayurvedic diet, as underlined by Xavier Pellicer. In his restaurant, legumes are protagonists in dishes such as ‘Pardina lentil hummus with cumin, caramelized shallot and seasonal mushrooms’. A restaurant that, like its Chef, defends that health and flavor go hand in hand.
Check out www.usapulseseu.org to find more Ayurvedic recipes.