Spiced Red Lentil Soup

Ayurvedic Recipe for Kapha Dosha: Spiced Red Lentil Soup

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup red lentils (masoor dal)

• 4 cups water or vegetable broth

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or ghee

• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds

• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

• 1 medium carrot, chopped

• 1 celery stalk, chopped

• 1 cup spinach, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• Salt to taste

• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare Lentils: Rinse the red lentils (masoor dal) under cold water until the water runs clear. In a large pot, combine the lentils and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the lentils are tender.

2. Heat Oil/Ghee: In a separate pan, heat the coconut oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the mustard seeds and cumin seeds, and let them sizzle for a few seconds until they start to pop.

3. Add Spices: Add the turmeric powder, ground black pepper, ground ginger, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir for a few seconds until aromatic.

4. Cook Vegetables: Add the fresh grated ginger, carrot, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

5. Combine: Add the sautéed vegetables and spices to the cooked lentils. Stir well to combine.

6. Add Spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted.

7. Season: Add salt to taste and drizzle with lemon juice. Stir well to combine.

8. Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.

Dosha Effects:

• Kapha: Decreases Kapha due to the light and spicy nature of the ingredients.

• Vata: Neutral to slightly increasing Vata due to the light and dry qualities of lentils.

• Pitta: Neutral, but use cayenne pepper sparingly to avoid increasing Pitta.

Benefits for Kapha Dosha:

• Light and Energizing: Red lentils (masoor dal) are light and easy to digest, preventing the heaviness Kapha tends to accumulate.

• Spicy and Stimulating: The spices used in this recipe, such as mustard seeds, cumin, and cayenne pepper, help stimulate digestion and metabolism, which is beneficial for balancing Kapha.

• Nutritious and Detoxifying: The combination of vegetables, spinach, and spices provides essential nutrients and aids in detoxification.

• Warming and Invigorating: The warm, spicy nature of the soup counteracts Kapha's cold and sluggish tendencies.

This spiced red lentil soup is designed to help balance and invigorate Kapha dosha, promoting overall health and well-being.