Ayurvedic Recipes

Basmati Rice (Sweet Satwic Food)

Ayurvedic Satwic Food

Basmati Rice

In Ayurveda, Basmati rice is considered to be a highly beneficial grain that balances all three doshas. However, eating even basmati rice daily can be heavy on your system. So do make rice an important part of your diet, but try to eat it more han four times a week. Rice is believed to promote mucus production. So if your kapha dosha is dominant, lightly roast the rice before adding water for cooking to make it lighter.

Action: Rice is generally good for balancing Vata and Pitta. It may create excess mucus, so rice in excess is not considered ideal for Kapha.

Ingredients:

1 cup basmati rice

2 cups water (or 4/3 part if you have soaked the rice)

Ayurveda Ghee

Method:

  • In a medium pan, bring the rice and water to a boil, then cove with a lid and reduce to a simmer.
  • Don’t lift the lid or stir the rice while it is cooking.
  • Allow the rice to cook for 15 to 20 minutes, then press a a grain or two between your fingers to test it.
  • Well done rice should not be sticky or hard, and the grains should be separate and fluffy.
  • A common mistake  is to  add cold water to rice that is already cooking. This destroys the agni of the rice and interferes with digestion. If you are adding salt, do so after the rice is fully cooked.
  • Add ghee according to the persons to serve as it helps in balance in doshas.
  • Brown Sugar or crushed Jaggery, Green peas, Salt according to taste, Cardamomum, Cashew can be added to it according to your taste.

Benefits:

Rice contributes the sweet taste according to Ayurveda. It is a light, soft, smooth and nourishing food. Basmati rice builds body tissue and is very high on praana or vital life energy as it is pure Satwic food.

About the author

Dr. Ram Mani Bhandari

Experienced holistic doctor, healer, teacher, and writer
Specialized in Ayurvedic detox (Panchakarma)
Trained in India and Nepal, the original lands of Ayurveda
Graduate in Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (B.A.M.S.) from the Institute of Medicine at Tribhuwan University in Kathmandu.
Professional member of Australasian Association of Ayurveda (AAA)
Owner of Sunshine Ayurveda

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