Autumn Sweet Rice

This balancing, grounding & calming meal contains the most Sattvic of Ayurvedic foods - basmati rice, milk, ghee, dates & almonds, making it perfect for breakfast or an evening meal, especially for Vata types or during the Vata season of Autumn/early Winter. It is also lovely for women on their Moon Cycle to help soothe and cleanse. As it contains milk, avoid eating at the same time as salty or sour foods. If yo are vegan you can replace the ghee with coconut oil and milk with almond milk.

Ingredients to serve 1 large or 2 small portions

• 3/4 cup white basmati rice, rinsed

• 300ml whole, organic milk (or almond)

• 100ml water

• 1/2 tsp ghee (or coconut oil)

• 1 tbsp pitted medjool dates, chopped

• 10g raisins

• 10g blanched almonds or cashew nuts, chopped and soaked overnight if possible

• 5 cardamom pods

• Large pinch ground turmeric

• 2.5cm piece of fresh ginger, finely chopped

To Serve (optional)

• 1/2 tsp coconut oil

• 1 tsp coconut flakes

• 1tsp coconut sugar (optional as it is already quite sweet!)

Method

Rinse the rice well, drain and add to a small pan. Add milk, water, ghee & other ingredients. Bring to boil slowly, stirring occasionally. Then immediately turn down to low and simmer for 20 mins until the rise is soft and the consistency is thick and creamy.

For the optional topping - add coconut oil, coconut flakes and sugar to a small frying pan. Cook for 1-2 mins stirring continuously so it doesn't burn. Pour over the main dish and serve immediately.