Author: Puja Patel, ALC

Ayurveda has a distinct way of classifying the seasons based on the doshas. The seasons are categorized where the doshas are most prominent according to the environment. 

  • Vata season: fall to early winter

  • Kapha season: winter to spring 

  • Pitta season: summer to early fall 

It is important to eat the right types of foods based on the season we are in. Fall is referred to as the Vata season based on the qualities of cold, dry, light, rough, and windy.  As we approach the fall season, it is vital to choose types of food that are grounding and warming to the mind and body. A Vata pacifying diet consists of sweet, sour, and salty foods, and eating warm soothing meals. It is also important to drink warm liquids. Hot liquids with warming herbs and spices can bring balance to the body in Vata season. 

Things to avoid during Vata season: cold or iced drinks, ice cream, raw vegetables, cold salads, unripe fruits, as well as drinks with high caffeine.

Khichdi 


Khichadi

This is a tridoshic recipe, meaning that this recipe is suitable for all doshas. This is a great warming and wholesome recipe as the temperature cools down. Khichdi is a simple meal consisting of rice and mung daal to help with digestion. 

  • 1 cup basmati rice

  • ½ cup of yellow mung daal 

  • 1 tablespoon of ghee (or two if you enjoy the taste) 

  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder 

  • ½ salt 

  • 4-6 cups of water

  • Cilantro (to garnish) 

  • Red chili powder (based on taste) 

Place all ingredients in a pressure cooker/instant pot. Cook high pressure for 9-10 minutes. The daal will feel tender and the rice will be thoroughly cooked. Add cilantro and/or red chili powder based on taste. Enjoy this meal warm with ghee on top! 

Khichadi

Kheer 

This sweet dish balances Vata with rich sources of calcium and carbohydrates. Kheer is nourishing and easy to digest. (side note: this dish is limited to Kapha individuals) 

Kheer

  • 2 cups milk 

  • ¼ cup rice (rinsed and drained)

  • 2-3 tbsp jaggery or honey (or preferred taste) 

  • 10 chopped pistachios

  • 10 chopped almonds 

  • Pinch of saffron (Based on taste) 

  • Nutmeg powder (based on taste) 

  • 1 tbsp ghee/butter 

Kheer

Combine rice, milk and nutmeg powder in a pan and bring to a boil. Bring down to medium heat and stir to prevent sticking to bottom and lumps. Continue cooking until the rice is soft. Add jaggery based on taste and continue to keep on heat until it is fully dissolved. If using honey, add when kheer is ready to be served. Garnish with ghee, saffron, almonds or pistachios. 

Oatmeal 

Oatmeal is a great nutritious meal to start the day. This warming breakfast is quick to make and easy to digest. There are many ways to make oatmeal, but this particular recipe contains ingredients to balance Vata. Rich herbs such as cinnamon and nutmeg are included to help with appetite and digestion along with walnuts to assist with many Vata disorders, improve body strength and the heart. 

Oatmeal

  • ½ cup rolled old fashioned oats (you can use gluten-free oats as well)

  • ½ cup milk of choice 

  • ½ cup water 

  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg (or preferred taste) 

  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon (or preferred taste) 

  • 1 tbsp chopped walnuts (or preferred taste) 

  • Almonds (preferred taste) 

  • 1 tsp honey 

 
 

OatmealUsing a small saucepan, place water and milk to a boil. Bring heat down and combine the oats. Continue cooking until the oats are soft and have absorbed the liquid. Remove from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients on top based on your preferred taste. 

Roasted Veggies 

Grounding root vegetables are great to balance the palate and body as we enter fall. This is a simple recipe that not only tastes yummy but nutritious as well. 

Roasted Veggies

  • 1 beet 

  • 1 sweet potato 

  • 2 medium carrots 

  • 1 cup cauliflower (medium chopped) 

  • 1 cup broccoli (medium chopped) 

  • 1 tsp rosemary 

  • 1 tsp thyme  

  • 2 tablespoons ghee 

  • ¼ tsp salt 

  • ¼ tsp black pepper 

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Chop all veggies into 1-inch cubes. (Peel before chopping the beet). Place all vegetables on a baking pan or dish. Pour ghee over the veggies. Add all herbs and spices. Stir well and place the pan in the oven. Cook until desired tenderness, (The timing will range from 25-45 minutes). Feel free to add additional herbs on top and enjoy! 

Turmeric Milk Tea (Golden Tea) 

This tea is a great way to boost your immunity during Vata season. Turmeric is also considered tridoshic as it balances Vata and Kapha, and Pitta. Turmeric is known to strengthen the lungs and immune system, assist in digestion, and purify the blood. 

Golden Milk

  • 1 cup of milk 

  • 1 tsp turmeric powder 

  • Pinch of black pepper 

  • ½ tsp ghee 

  • Honey or jaggery 

Place milk in a saucepan and bring to boil. Add all ingredients except honey. Stir occasionally. Turn off heat and allow the drink to cool to room temperature. Add honey. (Please note: do not add honey to hot milk as it is considered toxic (difficult to digest) in Ayurveda)