Monsoon Delight

Article By Dr.Mrs.Sunanda Ranade

Rainfall from July relieved us from scorching heat. But this sudden change has tremendous impact on our body. Appetite gets reduced due to low Agni. Accumulated Vata starts  aggravating reminding us about our joints and other problems. Contaminated water  also brings some diseases like Diarrhea, Dysentery, jaundice. If proper care is not taken, this season can also lead to common cold and fever due to excess activity of viruses and bacteria.

Proper precaution of simple drinking boiled warm water, using strong  spices like cinnamon, clove, chili to increase Agni and mild spices like asafetida, garlic ,ginger to combat with Vata keeps oneself healthy.

Here is the recipe for Monsoon—Tomato Rice

Tomato Rice—Serves 5 persons.

Ingredients—1\2 kgs. Of Basmati Rice

                      2 Medium size Tomatoes

                      1 Medium size Onion.

                      2 pieces of cinnamon  one inch and leaves

                      2cardamom crushed , 2 cloves.

                      1tsf. turmeric ,1\2 tsf. Chilli powder

                      Pinch of asafetida and salt to taste.

                      3\4 liter of  boiled water

                    3 tsf of ghee or oil.

                    1\2 bowl of pieces of cashew nuts

Method of preparation—Wash the rice and drain  the water. Wash the tomatoes, cut into small pieces. Cut the onion into small pieces.

Heat the pan on low fire. Put ghee or oil. When it gets heated add cinnamon, leaves, cardamom, cloves and asafoetida. Let it fry for 1 minute ,add onion. Saute it till golden brown. Add turmeric and cut tomatoes. Add rice and sauté for 5 minutes. Add salt and water .Add cashew nut pieces. Cook it in cooker for 20 minutes. One can also cook on low fire without cooker. Here one should add salt when rice is cooked. Adding pieces of cut cashew nut enhances its flavor.

Garnish with cut coriander and grated coconut 1\2 bowl each.

Serve hot with White guard soup and roasted papadum

Lycopene in tomatoes is good for cancer . New research shows it is beneficial to increase sperm fertility.

Spices and ghee used enhances Agni.

It is good for Kapha, Vata. Pitta people should consume it in small quantity.

Dr. Sunanda Ranade.

Director ,IAA.

Pune.