Gentle Dosha-Balancing Dal

When working with a client this morning, we were discussing a common situation for many of us... heartburn. Typically a signal that your "fire element" or pitta is out of balance, it can be darn painful. Try making up a batch of this gentle lentil & rice stew. It is the "chicken soup" for Indian moms and very gentle on the digestive system. Although spicy foods are fun to eat, they are to be avoided if pitta is overheated already. Since the warm weather is coming, all of us need to be aware that the heat and humidity of high summer can aggravate pitta.

In a 4 quart dutch oven or saucepan, head ghee (clarified butter) or olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon cumin seeds and 1 teaspoon black mustard seeds. Toast for a minute or so, until they start to pop. Don't leave the stove, cause things can go from toasty to burnt in a snap.

Add 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 cup rinsed green lentils and 1 cup rinsed brown basmati rice. Stir until the spices become quite fragrant. Add 5 cups water and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer about 40 minutes, until rice & lentils are tender.

This recipe can easily be adapted to your rice cooker. Just toast the spices then add everything to the bowl of the cooker and use the normal rice setting.