Published By: Sayan Guha

Ayurveda Aaj - Amla Adventures: Tangy Recipes for a Healthy Boost

Power up your plate with these zesty bites of wellness!

Winter has a stealthy way of coming in, bringing sniffles and the odd chill. However, a hero in the pantry can turn things around, amla or Indian gooseberry. Amla, a little green and completely tart fruit, is a nutritional powerhouse waiting to benefit your health. Let's look at some zesty dishes that keep the winter blues at bay and boost immunity.

The wonder berry: Why amla deserves a spot on your plate

Amla is nature's multivitamin, including Vitamin C, antioxidants, and vital minerals. It improves immune function, decreases inflammation, and promotes healthy skin. In light of health problems like the Omicron BF 7 mutation, including amla in your diet can assist in boosting your defences.

Ayurveda has traditionally praised amla for its ability to balance the doshas (vata, pitta, and kapha) and purify the body. Plus, you don't have to consume raw amla daily; there are many tasty alternatives.

Credit: @nehadeepakshah/small>

Recipe 1: Immunity Laddoos – sweet, nutritious, and bite-sized

Ingredients:

  • Grated amla: 500g
  • Dates (deseeded): 10
  • Sesame seeds: 1 tsp
  • Crushed flaxseeds: 1 tsp
  • Cardamom powder: ¼ tsp

Method:

  • Wash and grate the amla, draining any excess water.
  • Blend the dates into a pulp and combine with the grated amla.
  • Add cardamom powder and shape into laddoos.
  • Coat each laddoo with the sesame and flaxseed mixture.

Health perks:

  • High in vitamin C and iron.
  • Excellent for nursing moms, pregnant ladies, and children.
  • Boosts omega-3 fatty acids for a more alert mind

Credit: @lucidcooking

Recipe 2: Sweet and Sour Sauce – A dip with a kick

Ingredients:

  • Amla pulp: 1 bowl
  • Jaggery (powdered): 5 tbsp
  • Cumin powder: 1 tsp
  • A pinch of black salt

Method:

  • Boil the amla until soft, then deseed and crush into a pulp.
  • Heat water with jaggery, add amla pulp and stir over low heat until thick.
  • Add cumin powder and black salt.

Health Perks:

  • Improves folic acid and immunity.
  • It is ideal for expecting moms or as a side to your everyday meals.

Credit: @lucidcooking/small>

Recipe 3: Amla Jelly – Dessert done right

Ingredients:

  • Amla juice (with pulp): 1 glass
  • Dates syrup: 2 tbsp
  • Soaked chia seeds: 1 tsp
  • Agar Agar: 1 tsp

Method:

  • Boil water with amla juice and date syrup.
  • Add the soaked Agar Agar, simmer over low heat, and pour into chia seed-lined moulds.
  • Allow it to set for 30 minutes.

Health perks:

  • Increases haemoglobin and alleviates nausea.
    It is a kid-friendly treat that contains fibre and sweetness.

Credit: @sybellakitchen2113/small>

Recipe 4: Amla Mukhwas – A digestive delight

Ingredients:

  • Grated amla: 1 bowl
  • Mint powder: 10 leaves
  • Crushed sesame and sunflower seeds: 1 tbsp each
  • Fennel seeds: 1 tbsp

Method:

Add the grated amla to all the ingredients.
Dry in direct sunshine until the wetness is gone. Store in an airtight jar.

Health perks:

It improves digestion and detoxifies the system.
Fights inflammation and lowers stress.

Amla: The tangy all-rounder

Amla's flexibility is unsurpassed, from laddoos that satisfy your sweet craving to a sour sauce that enhances your munchies. It's more than just a fruit; it's your winter defence against the seasonal blues. So, why not transform a modest fruit into your healthy companion?

This winter, embrace the tang, experiment with these dishes, and let amla do its magic for your health. After all, being healthy does not have to be boring!