Classic Carrot Ginger Soup
vegan, serves 3

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In America, downing a hearty grain dish would not be called fasting. But in India kitchari—a soupy porridge made from rice and mung beans, lightly spiced with ginger, cilantro, and other spices—is considered a fasting food and is used to purify digestion and cleanse systemic toxins.

Here at Costa Rica Yoga Spa, we often cook Kitchari, not only is it delicious, but it is great for the mind, body and spirit.

Ingredients

• 1 cup split Yellow Mung Beans
• 1 tablespoon of Ginger (peeled and chopped)
• 2 tablespoons of Coconut (shredded)
• Handful of cilantro (chopped)
• 6 1/2 cup of water
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon clove powder
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 bay leaves
• 3 tablespoons ghee or butter
• 1 cup basmati rice

1. Rinse one cup of split yellow mung beans and soak for several hours. Set aside.

2. In a blender, liquefy one tablespoon of peeled, chopped ginger; two tablespoons of shredded coconut; and a handful of chopped cilantro with one-half cup of water.

2. In a large saucepan, lightly brown one-half teaspoon cinnamon; one-quarter teaspoon each of cardamom, pepper, clove powder, turmeric, salt; and three bay leaves (remove before serving) in three tablespoons of ghee, or butter.

3. Drain the mung dal and then stir it into the spice mixture in the saucepan.

4. Next, add one cup of raw basmati rice to the saucepan and add the the blended spice and coconut mixture while stirring it in slowly, followed by six cups of water. Bring to a boil, cover, and cook on low heat for approximately 25 to 30 minutes until soft.

Enjoy!

If you are interesting in balancing the mind, body and spirit as well as cleansing the soul, come to Costa Rica Yoga Spa for a yoga retreat in Nosara. While on your vacation, you will be served healthy gourmet meals, which are often prepared with organic food. To learn more about Costa Rica Yoga Spa retreats in Nosara, contact us today.

Jackie and Jill’s Oatmeal and Peanut Butter Smoothie

• ½ c organic oatmeal
• 2 frozen bananas – in chunks
• 4 TBS – peanut butter
• 1/c yogurt
• 1/c milk
• A few ice cubes

If you live in Costa Rica, you can substitute guanabana juice for the milk.

To learn more about Costa Rica Yoga Spa, and our organic garden visit http://www.costaricayogaspa.com.