Raisins - Ayurveda perspective and Recipes
Raisins - Ayurveda perspective and Recipes
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The health benefits of raisins include relief from constipation, acidosis, anemia, fever and sexual dysfunction. Raisins have also been known to help in attempts to gain weight in a healthy way, as well as for their positive impact on eye health dental care, and bone quality.
Ayurvedic Perspective on Raisins -
Its madhura (sweet) in taste and has sweet potency as well. Raisins are nothing but dried grapes and grapes are considered superior among all the fruits according to Ayurveda. It balances Vata and Pitta. It's one among the 'swadu triphala' or the sweet triphala according to Dhanwanthari Nighantu (an ancient Ayurvedic Classic ).
In most of the Ayurvedic preparations, where grapes are mentioned as ingredient, dry grapes are used.
Dry grapes / raisin is useful in the treatment of excessive thirst, fever, respiratory problems, vomiting, gout, liver disorders, excessive burning sensation, dryness, emaciation.
1. Golden Raisins Energy Bites
Ingredients -
1 Cup golden raisins
1/2 cup walnuts
1/4 Cup rolled oats
2 tablespoon ground flax seeds
1 tablespoon honey
1/8 teaspoon Kosher salt
Method of preparation -
Soak the golden raisins in hot water over night. Drain and keep it aside. Blend together walnuts, flax seeds and oats together. Add the drained raisins, salt and honey. Pulse until you get a thick sticky consistency. Roll in to individual small balls. Place balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until no longer sticky. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator or freezer.
2. Rice and Raisin Bowl for Breakfast
Ingredients-
1 Cup cooked Basmati rice
1/2 Cup seedless Raisins
1 Cup while milk/ soy milk
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
1 tsp dry roasted pumpkin seeds to garnish
1 tsp melted ghee
1 tsp maple syrup/ honey
Method of preparation-
Put the cooked rice, milk, raisins and cinnamon into a saucepan and cook on a medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes. Add the ghee, honey or maple syrup to taste. Serve in bowl garnished with pumpkin seeds.
3. Raisin Dates Chutney
1 cup pitted dates
1/4 cup raisins
2 tablespoons tamarind pulp
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 inch Ginger sliced
1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
1 teaspoon cumin seed roasted powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red chili powder adjust to taste
2 black cardamom
Approx. 3/4 cup water
Method of preparation-
Soak the raisins for about half an hour.Slice the dates in 8 pieces.Remove the shell from cardamom and crush the seeds.In a sauce pan combine the water with tamarind, sugar, salt, black pepper, red chili powder, cumin powder, and cardamom bring to boil and let it simmer on low heat for about 2 minutes.Add dates, raisins, and ginger, bring to boil and turn off the heat.Let it sit for about an hour before serving.Chutney is served at room temperature and can be refrigerated for a month.
This sour and sweet chutney is ideal with rice and flat breads. And it's an awesome recipe for Vata persons.