The word Masala in Sanskrit denotes a spice, and Vata Masala is a blend of spices that are put together to reduce Vata dosha, while improving the digestibility of your food. If you are experiencing symptoms of high Vata in the digestive tract (Vishama Agni), you will likely have recurring issues such as gas, bloating, constipation, and cramping after food. You may find it hard to digest beans, raw vegetables, and heavy, dense meats. You may even have indirect Vata digestive symptoms such as anxiety, restless mind, poor concentration, insomnia, and dry skin issues. Adding the Vata Masala to your meals is a simple and delicious way to help pacifying your Vata in its home base (the colon) and alleviate these unwanted symptoms that we all know too well.
This blend can be added to any savory food including kitchari, dals, soups, stir fries, stews, meat, rice, vegetables, and quinoa. To get the full flavor of the spices, I recommend to first sauté them in ghee or sesame oil for about 30 to 60 seconds before adding them to food. This will release the flavors and enhance their health benefits even greater. By having this blend of spices at hand, you can easily and accessibly enhance the healing properties of any meal, boost your Agni (digestive fire), and make Vata-provoking foods more Vata-friendly.
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- Blender (or a spice grinder if a blender is not available)
- Measuring spoons
- 4 tablespoons turmeric
- 4 tablespoons ginger powder
- 3 tablespoons cumin seed, whole
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon powder
- 2 tablespoons fennel seed, whole
- 1 tablespoons fenugreek seed, whole
- 1 tablespoon black peppercorns, whole
- 1 teaspoon mineral salt or pink Himalayan salt
- ¼ teaspoon hing
Click here for a printable copy of this recipe.
1. Place all of the ingredients into a blender.
2. Blend on high for 1 to 2 minutes or until all of the whole seeds have been ground into a powder.
3. Place the spices into a bowl and manually stir them to ensure even blending.
4. Place the spices in an airtight glass jar.
5. It is recommend to sauté the spices in ghee or sesame oil for 30 to 60 seconds before adding it to your recipe; however, it will still be beneficial to simply sprinkle it on top of your food for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal addition.
These spices will keep their flavor and health properties for about 6 months to a year. They should be stored in an airtight jar, out of the direct sunlight. Make sure to always use a clean, dry spoon in order to avoid any contamination.
As a general recommendation, you can replace turmeric powder with equal amounts of the Vata Masala for any savory recipe. Although it is very tasty in kitchari and dal recipes, this spice blend can be very versatile! Try adding it to stir-fries, soups, broths, veggie sautés, rice dishes, quinoa dishes, savory porridges, or even on top of your fish, chicken, or meat. Play around a bit and explore. The possibilities are endless!
Need some inspiration? Replace the turmeric or spice blend with the Vata Masala in any of these recipes!
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