Tomatoes are one food which, according to Ayurvedic principles, can aggravate Pitta, causing heat, irritation and inflammation in the digestive system. This sauce is a versatile alternative to tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
- 4 red peppers or for convenience you can use a jar of roasted peppers.
- 1 red onion finely chopped.
- 3 – 4 cloves of garlic
- 1 tsp dry roasted and ground cumin seeds.
- 1 tsp fenugreek powder.Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
The how to:
Dry roast cumin seeds in a pan for 30 seconds and grind to a fine power. Heat oil and add the cumin. Allow it to sizzle for a few seconds. Add chopped onion, grated/crushed garlic and fenugreek powder. Fry for a further 5 mins. Add the chopped red pepper and a little water. Cook with the lid on for 30mins. Blitz to a smooth consistency
Why it’s so good
I have found with lots of my clients, tomatoes form the base of lots of meals they cook and they struggle to find alternative they and their family enjoy. This sauce provides a deep, rich flavour without the acidity of tomatoes. According to Ayurveda, tomatoes are one of the foods most aggravating for Pitta types.
Balancing the Doshas
Cumin seeds are an Ayurvedic staple used for balancing the digestive fire. Fenugreek seeds, powder and leaves can also help soothe the digestion as well as adding a rich depth of flavour.
Try using it in recipes where you would usually add timed tomatoes or passata.
Use straight away or cover with a layer of oil and store in an airtight jar in the fried for up to a week.