Beet the Heat 💜

Oh my goodness. Does it feel like the sun is following you for the last two days? Do you feel like you’re melting? As of few hours ago my phone sent a heat wave alert … second day in a row! The headline for SoCal News today reads: “Winds Pick Up as San Diego County Is in 2nd Day of Extreme Heat”. My immediate thought was, “Well, there goes my dinner plan.” Followed by one inevitable question I think that unites all mothers, fathers or anyone who is in-charge of the kitchen … “What am I going to cook tonight?

The original recipe was inspired by my own variation of Gazpacho that I like to make with watermelon, tomato, and cucumber during the hot summer days. However, as the season as transitioned, Mama Earth has  also transitioned to providing what is appropriate for us now. Thus, Beet The Heat, a cool soup for this heat wave was birthed!  The other special consideration I included for this soup is making sure it is still Vata-Season friendly for the SoCal climate.

BEET NOTE:

Beets are naturally sweet and Vata pacifying. Beets cleanse and cool the blood, nourish the liver, and improve the eyesight. Beets are good for anemia and stamina. Raw beets aggravate Pitta but cooked beets are Pitta pacifying.

How?

Cooked beets transform the starches into sweeter sugars that are cooling.

SENSIBLE NOTE:

During these high heat and erratic winds, focus on nourishing foods that are sweet and smooth in nature. The recipe below is an example of foods that can keep that metabolic fire (agni) LIT with ingredients like ginger, black pepper, and salt. Meanwhile, keeping the body and mind cool with the sweetness of beets, coconut milk, and of course your choice of a generous amount of garnish of basil or parsley.

MY NOTE:

Remember, “Like Attracts Like; Opposite Heals”

When you are feeling particularly extra dry, increase your fluid intake by sipping on water more often rather than big gulps. Be sure include a lil bit of extra good fat to your food.  Good fats like Ghee, Olive Oil, and Avocados are few examples that are appropriate for gut health and for glowing dewy skin.

YOUR NOTE:

Please tell me how you like this recipe. I’d be honored if you’d share it with your loved ones. Post your photos with #wholeheartedwellness so we all can see and enjoy. When I see you integrate it, it makes me feel like we are all in the this together supporting and celebrating one another.

Recipe: Beat The Heat

Meal Type: Dinner or Lunch, Gluten-Free, Almost Vegan ?

INGREDIENTS:

•1 tablespoon GHEE

•1 large yellow onion, diced

•3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

•1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger

•3 large red beets, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch pieces

•5 cups vegetable stock, divided

•12 cups coconut milk

•1/2 teaspoon Himalayan sea salt

•1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

•Parsley or Chives or Basil (optional)

•Dollop of Yogurt of your choice (optional)

PREPARATION:

In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onion, 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger; cook, stirring often, 5 minutes. Add beets and 4 cups stock; bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until beets are fork-tender, 20 minutes. With an immersion or regular blender, puree soup, adding remaining 1 cup stock as needed to reach desired consistency. Stir in coconut milk, salt, and pepper. Let it cool to room temperature and then refrigerate for 20 minutes. Garnish with parsley or basil before serving. Add a little dollop or drizzle of Yogurt for a little creaminess, for the love of nourishment.

By Deepika Dabhi

https://healthyayurveda.com/beet-the-heat-beet-recipe/