Intense growth and strong digestive fire in our bellies define summer and cooling foods is the recipe for summer foods.
Protein in summer is obtained by cool yogurt lassis/smoothies, and milkshakes. Cooling yogurts are combined with lentils to achieve the beat protein for summer. Lentils however should be had in moderation in summer - more soupy than in winter as they have a trying out effect. Mung dal is best in summer. Meat too should be eaten in moderation as as it warms the body.
Enjoy meals that include lentils along with rice, yogurt, seasonal veggies with summer spices. Fresh herbal pestos/chutneys of cilantro and basil add an extra dimension to summer meals.
Ghee is recommentded for cooking lentils over oils as it brings out the medicinal value of summer spices. A smaller amount of ghee is required for cooking versus the amount of oil. Ghee properties make foods light and oils make foods heavy - in summer low use of oils is recommended as it fans the digestive fires and overcharges the body.
© Kavita Mehta
photo credit Kavita and Vinay Mehta
