This Ayurvedic Cookbook Takes the Kitchari! (And Why I’m Obsessed with Ayurveda)

Back in 2013 during Yoga Teacher Training, I first learned about Ayurveda, an ancient system of holistic medicine from India that focuses on balancing the body, mind, and spirit through diet, lifestyle, and natural remedies. It was one of my favorite parts of the whole training!

I think one thing I love most about it is how empowering the premise is: to tune into how you're feeling in the moment, and to know how to bring yourself back into balance accordingly. It’s based on the idea that each person has a unique constitution, or dosha, and that health comes from living in harmony with your individual nature, and with the rhythms of the world around you… including Mother Nature.

Quickie side note: Kitchari, which I reference in the title above, is a warm, nourishing stew of rice and mung beans traditionally used as a staple in Ayurveda to support digestion, detoxification, and balance across all three doshas.

Everyone is comprised of all three doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha), but each of us has one or two dominant doshas that wax and wane - toggling in and out of balance. The practice of Ayurveda helps us bring things back to center. Tons of quizzes are out there to help you figure out your dosha(s), but sometimes it's just helpful to read about each one and feel into which seems most like you. To start figuring yours out you can read more here.

Soooo…are you intrigued?
Should I just get to the cookbook already?!

Drumroll, please… Eat Feel Fresh by Sahara Rose Ketabi!

I pulled four Ayurvedic cookbooks from the library recently, and this one has by far been the winner-winner ~ Sweet Potato Pesto Pizza ~ dinner!

Here’s why I love this cookbook:

⭐️ Let’s cut to the chase…it has beautiful full-color photos. And isn’t that all that’s ever really wanted in a cookbook? It’s so visually gorgeous it could double as a coffee table book.

⭐️ There’s a great intro-to-Ayurveda section, with tips on everything from outfitting your kitchen to how long to soak and cook mung beans.

⭐️ Since I’m newly vegan, I especially appreciate the modern take on Ayurveda and the permission to step away from dairy and include some raw foods here and there.

⭐️ Most of the recipes are tri-dosha-friendly (meaning good for all three constitutions), and balancing suggestions are clearly labeled so it’s super easy to navigate and customize.

♥️ Bonus love: Sahara Rose is also a musician, and her album “My Body is an Altar” is super juicy.

So far, every recipe I’ve tried has been mouthwatering: Thai Green Curry, Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal, Sweet Potato Pesto Pizza, Almond Feta Cheese, Roasted Chickpeas, Chia Pudding, Plant-Based Pho, Mung Dal Brownies, and Cinnamon Date Crispy Rice Bars.

The only flop I had was the Grain-Free Naan, and I’m pretty sure that was user error (I definitely messed up the arrowroot starch).

Check out some of the pretty pictures below and if you figure out your dosha, let me know. I’ll have you over for dinner! 😊