Don’t give up warm, comforting grains with the onset of warmer weather. Vatas benefit greatly from a regular diet of grains – including rice, wheat, oats and barley – and nuts. Instead of forgoing these foods altogether, try sweeter, lighter versions of wintertime classics, like sweet milk rice with nuts and raisins (our take on a traditional Indian comfort food).
Ingredients:
- 1 cup washed basmati rice
- 10 cups low-fat milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon chopped cashews
- 1 tablespoon raisins
- 3 tablespoons ghee (available at most specialty goods stores)
- Saffron (optional)
- 1-2 pinches nutmeg powder
Preparation:
Bring milk to a boil in a heavy pot over high heat. Add the rice and reduce to medium heat. Stir constantly until the rice is cooked through and tender. Add milk as needed until rice reaches desired consistency.
Reduce heat to a simmer. Add sugar little by little until it is dissolved. Add in cashews, raisins and nutmeg.
If desired, dissolve a few strands of saffron in milk and add to completed mixture. Top with an additional pinch of nutmeg. Serve immediately.
Serves two.
