Ingredients
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups quick-cooking black rice
- 1 (15-ounce) can split peas, drained
- 1 to 2 cups Vata-friendly vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, sprouts, or snow peas - optional)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons ghee
- 3 tablespoons cumin seeds
- 3 tablespoons mustard seeds
- 4 cardamom pods
- 2 tablespoons turmeric
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 Thai green chilies or 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 1⁄4 cup miso
- Squeeze of 1 lemon
Method
In a large soup pot over medium heat, bring the vegetable broth to a boil and add the black rice.
Reduce the heat and stir in the split peas, optional vegetables, and salt. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, in a small skillet over medium heat, melt the ghee and add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, cardamom, and turmeric. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the mustard seeds begin to pop.
Add ginger, garlic, and chilies to the skillet. Stir and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Incorporate the ghee-spice mixture and miso into the rice and peas. Finish with a squeeze of lemon, and serve hot.
Seasonal Flavors and Dosha Variations
Savor the tastes of spring with this dish, boasting a balanced blend of astringent, bitter, pungent, salty, sour, and sweet flavors.
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Vatas:
Intensify the heat by adding more chilies, mustard seeds, ginger, or garlic.
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Pittas:
Skip garlic and chilies, opting for orange zest as a garnish instead of lemon juice for a refreshing twist.
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Kaphas:
Elevate the dish with additional mustard seeds and chilies, and substitute sunflower oil for ghee.
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