2 Recipes: Keep-It-Simple Rye Flake Cereal & Happy Belly Soup

 My lunch yesterday: Fresh greens with sprouts & a lemon juice vinaigrette + Happy Belly Soup

Yesterday was a great day of eating. I cooked all my meals at home, I didn't rush, and I thoroughly enjoyed all of them. It was a day of not snacking, woohoo! Two days ago, I was muttering about my yoga pants fitting tighter than usual, and then the voice of my loved one said "well, it's probably the snacking..." Ugh! Defeated! --or so I felt. That's the down side to preaching the riches of healthy habits; when you ignore them your loved ones won't hesitate to call you out on it. ;) Which, really, is a very good thing because it inspired me to stop picking up the occasional tortilla chip or handful of raisins in the kitchen, and instead to make these beautiful and delicious meals. We all need the support of a community to stay committed to our healthy habits sometimes, even us Ayurvedi's.

Back to the food, so the rye flakes are great for spring. They've taken the place of my organic oats that I normally store in the Quaker Oat Container you see in the photo below. (Oats aren't spring friendly) Rye is a great source of fiber, helps stabilize blood sugar levels (in relation to other grains), and has a phytoestrogen that help us ladies keep our hormones regulated whatever stage of life you're in. You can buy rye flakes in bulk at most grocery stores that have bulk sections. 

The Happy Belly Soup is what can also be called the CCF (Cumin, Coriander & Fennel) Lentil Soup. This soup is a powerhouse of therapeutic spices! They're all good for all doshas in moderation. See the list below. Lentils are an excellent Spring food. It's really their season to shine, so get some lentils in a pot and cook 'em up! 

• Cumin: cooling while stimulates digestive strength, heals indigestion, diarrhea, excessive heat and malabsorption. 
• Coriander: again cooling while stimulating digestive strength, especially good for fire-y types though tridoshic, natural anti-histamine
• Fennel: digestive, aids metabolism, good for: abdominal pain, cramps, & gas. 
• Turmeric: digestive, antibiotic, blood purifier, metabolism strengthener, good for most everything you can think of! 

Keep-It-Simple Rye Flake Cereal

Serves 2 with relatively small portions. Note: rye flakes don't blow up in the pot the way oats do when you cook them. Bear this in mind. They are however, very satisfying in small portions. Photo note: the bowl on the left was with vanilla soy milk, the bowl on right was with cow's milk hence the difference in color.

2/3 c organic rye flakes

1 1/3 water

raisins

pinch of cardamom and cinnamon

soy or rice milk to top

ghee to top (optional)

Cook the rye flakes in the water while covered over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally. When done, (about 7 minutes), serve in bowls & top with remaining ingredients. Eat slowly and enjoy! Chew your raisins well, especially if you're prone to bloating.

• Vata: better with oats. Cook raisins in with flakes, so they soak up water before you eat them. Use rice or almond milk to top. Use ghee.
• Pitta: better with oats, wheat or basmati rice. Omit cinnamon. Use rice, soy or cow's milk. Use ghee.
• Kapha: Great! Omit ghee. Use minimal 'milk'. Use spices to your heart's delight. 

 Happy Belly Soup 

Serves 2 as a main dish.

2 T + olive oil

1 large handful combination of chopped yellow onion & celery

1/2 c black beluga lentils, rinsed well (look for them in bulk)

1 t fennel seeds, roughly chopped

1 t cumin seeds, roughly chopped

2 c water

1 c vegetable stock

1 t coriander powder

1/2 t turmeric powder

chopped cilantro & fresh croutons to garnish

In a medium pot, heat oil over medium heat, then add onion/celery and saute until onion is soft but not translucent. Add lentils and seeds, and stir occasionally for 3-4 minutes. Add water first, then veg stock. Stir, cover and cook for 30 minutes or until lentil are soft but not falling apart. Add coriander & turmeric, stir and cover for 5 more minutes. Lentil should be slightly falling apart upon serving. Serve with fresh chopped cilantro and warm croutons.

• Vata: Very Good. Best if you use Mung beans instead of lentils. Can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a slice of fresh ginger while cooking.

• Pitta: Excellent!!Look for low-sodium vegetable broth.

• Kapha: Very Good! Add pinch of red pepper flakes or some dry ginger powder. Use croutons sparingly or omit altogether. Use oil sparingly.