Here’s a wholesome Ayurvedic breakfast recipe designed to help balance the doshas during the winter season (Hemanta Ritu), when Vata can become aggravated due to cold, dry, and windy conditions, and Kapha may also begin to increase due to the damp, heavy qualities of winter. This recipe is grounding, warming, and gently spiced to support digestion (agni) and maintain doshic harmony.
Warming Spiced Apple & Pear Porridge (Winter Dosha-Balancing)
Why it works (according to Ayurveda):
• Winter typically aggravates Vata (cold, dry, light, rough qualities) and can also provoke Kapha (cold, heavy, moist).
• Warm, moist, lightly spiced foods help pacify Vata and prevent Kapha stagnation.
• Sweet, nourishing grains like oats combined with warming spices balance both Vata and Kapha.
• Stewed fruits provide gentle sweetness and fiber, soothing digestion.
Ingredients (Serves 1–2)
• ½ cup rolled oats (or rice flakes for lighter digestion)
• 1 small organic apple, chopped
• 1 small organic pear, chopped
• 1 ½ cups water (or milk of choice — cow’s milk or almond milk is Ayurvedically favored)
• 1 tsp ghee
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp cardamom
• Pinch of dry ginger powder (optional, for extra warmth)
• 1–2 cloves (optional, for digestion)
• 5–6 raisins or dates, chopped
• A pinch of Himalayan salt
• Chopped almonds or walnuts (optional topping)
• Raw honey (add after cooking, never heated)
Instructions
1. In a saucepan, warm ghee over medium heat. Add spices (cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves) and gently toast until fragrant.
2. Add the chopped apple, pear, and raisins/dates. Stir and let them soften for 2–3 minutes.
3. Add oats and water (or milk) and a pinch of salt.
4. Simmer on low heat for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until oats are soft and the mixture is creamy.
5. Remove from heat. Allow to cool slightly before stirring in raw honey if desired.
6. Top with chopped nuts for added nourishment and grounding qualities.
Dosha Notes
• Vata: Moist, oily, and warming — perfect for calming Vata’s dryness and cold.
• Kapha: Light spices and cooked fruits help balance Kapha’s heaviness.
• Pitta: Can enjoy this too — if sensitive to heat, reduce ginger and cloves.
