Fruits may not be as much fun in Autumn, but well prepared they are a wonderful and heatlhy way to satisfy our cravings for sweet and warmth. Easy to digest, suitable for all three constitutions (or doshas), our comforting Ayurvedic apple compote recipe makes a perfect afternoon snack or accompaniment for breakfast.
Autumn, in most countries, has dryer and colder qualities (gunas in sanskrit). These qualities influence not only the external environment but also our internal environment: the body and mind.
We only need to look at trees to understand the incredible influence of the seasons on all living beings.
At an individual level, we may find, for example, that our skin and hair is dryer, we feel colder, we are more forgetful and find it difficult to concentrate, feel like sleeping in a little longer and going to bed a little earlier.
Do any of these symptoms sound familiar?
To keep our body healthy during the autumn season, we need to compensate this increase in cold and dry qualities, by including more moist and warmth into our lifestyle and diet.
Autumn is a perfect time, for example, to meet with friends and family around cosy meals and woodfires.
It is also a perfect time to start wearing softer, warmer fabrics and slowing down our rhythm and routine. Just like hedgehogs, we slowly getting ready for winter hibernation.
With regards to our diet we may include more warming spices into our diet according to our constitution, as well as well cooked, warm and moist dishes such as soups, mash and casseroles. Warming spices are for example ginger, cardamom, thyme, nutmeg and cloves. Warming spices taken in moderation and according to constitution will warm the body and facilitate the digestive process.
Another great activity for the winter is relaxed cooking, so why not delight your family, friends or colleagues by preparing this delicious and healthy spiced apple compote?
Ayurvedic Spiced Apple compote recipe
Ingredients
- 3 locally grown organic apples (sweet variation are best)
- 1 handful raisins/sultanas
- 1 handlful almonds without skin
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp cardamom
- 1/4 tsp powder or grated ginger (powder especially good for Kapha and grated best for Vata and Pitta)
- Cane sugar or jaggery (optional – to taste)
- 2 tsp ghee or butter (especially good for Vata)
Method
- Soak the sultanas and the almonds in two separate glass.
- Cut the apples in small cubes.
- In a pot heat butter or ghee. Add the spices and stir for one minute, then add the apples and sultanas. Stir for 4-5 minutes until fraguant and slightly caramelised. Add enough hot water to just cover the fruits. Bring to a boil. Lower the flame and let to simmer for 15min with a closed lid.
- Remove from the fire, leave to cool a few minutes. Blend if you wish to obtain a smooth consistency – adjusting the water content to taste.
- Serve the spiced apple compote warm over pancakes, with a biscuit or on its own, topped with chopped almonds.
Bon Appetit!
Tip: While you are cooking why not listen to Gabriella’s angelic voice and relaxing sanskrit chants ?
View more Ayurvedic recipes here.
Elena Beurdeley-Kuerten
Ayurvedic Consultant – DipALN, DipAMT (Ayurveda)
The Ayurveda Centre – Athens
www.theayurvedacentre.com
