Summer Pitta-Pacifying Recipes

These simple, cooling, and nourishing recipes are ideal for balancing Pitta dosha during the summer season. Each dish emphasizes sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes, while avoiding excessive heat, spice, and oil.

BREAKFAST

Stewed Apple & Pear with Cardamom and Mint

Ingredients:

• 1 apple, peeled and chopped

• 1 ripe pear, peeled and chopped

• 1/4 tsp ground cardamom

• 2-3 fresh mint leaves

• 1/2 cup water

Instructions:

1. Add apple, pear, water, and cardamom to a small pot.

2. Simmer over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, until fruit is soft.

3. Turn off heat and stir in fresh mint leaves.

4. Serve warm or room temperature.

LUNCH

Quinoa Bowl with Cucumber & Cilantro

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa (cooled)

• 1/2 cucumber, diced

• 1/2 cup shredded carrot

• 1/4 avocado, sliced

• 2 tbsp chopped cilantro

• Juice of 1/2 lime

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• Pinch of ground cumin & salt

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine quinoa, cucumber, carrot, and avocado.

2. Mix lime juice, olive oil, cumin, and salt to create dressing.

3. Toss salad with dressing and top with cilantro.

4. Serve cool or at room temperature.

DINNER

Mung Dal & Zucchini Soup

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup split yellow mung dal, rinsed

• 1 small zucchini, diced

• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

• 1/4 tsp turmeric

• 1/2 tsp fennel seeds

• 1 tbsp ghee or sunflower oil

• 3 cups water

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pot, heat ghee and add fennel seeds until aromatic.

2. Add ginger, turmeric, mung dal, and water.

3. Simmer for 15 minutes, then add zucchini.

4. Cook until dal is soft. Season with salt.

5. Serve warm with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.

TEA

Hibiscus Limeade Tea

Ingredients:

• 1–2 tsp loose hibiscus tea

• 1/2 tsp fennel seeds

• (Optional) 1 tsp dried rose petals

• Juice of 1 lime

• 1–2 tsp maple syrup or coconut sugar

• 2 cups water

Instructions:

1. Bring water to a boil and steep hibiscus tea and fennel seeds (and rose, if using) for about 8–10 minutes.

2. Strain, let cool slightly, then add lime juice and sweetener to taste.

3. Chill in the refrigerator or serve at room temperature for a refreshing summer drink.