Cooling, Grounded Breakfasts to Soothe Pitta Dosha

1. Creamy Rice Porridge with Coconut Milk and Dates

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked basmati rice

• 1 cup coconut milk (or almond milk)

• 3-4 dates, chopped

• A pinch of cinnamon or cardamom

• A small handful of shredded coconut (optional)

• 1 tsp maple syrup or honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine cooked rice, coconut milk, and dates.

2. Gently simmer until the mixture becomes creamy and slightly thick.

3. Add cinnamon or cardamom, and stir in shredded coconut.

4. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired.

Benefits: This porridge is grounding, cooling, and naturally sweet, ideal for soothing Pitta energy.

2. Warm Quinoa Porridge with Steamed Apples and Almonds

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa

• 1 cup almond milk (or other plant-based milk)

• 1 small apple, peeled, chopped, and lightly steamed

• 1/4 tsp cinnamon

• A small handful of sliced almonds

• 1 tsp maple syrup (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a pot, combine the almond milk, cooked quinoa, and cinnamon. Stir well.

2. Add the steamed apple pieces and gently cook until the mixture is warm and creamy.

3. Top with sliced almonds and add maple syrup if desired.

Benefits: Quinoa is light and non-heating, while apples and almonds provide grounding and sweetness, perfect for Pittas.

3. Oatmeal with Coconut and Blueberries

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats

• 1 cup coconut milk or almond milk

• 1/4 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)

• 1 tbsp shredded coconut

• A small pinch of cinnamon (optional)

• 1 tsp honey or maple syrup

Instructions:

1. In a small pot, combine the oats and coconut milk and bring to a simmer.

2. Add the blueberries and let cook until the oats are creamy and soft.

3. Stir in shredded coconut and cinnamon if desired.

4. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup before serving.

Benefits: Oats are grounding and gentle on digestion, while coconut and blueberries add a cooling effect that helps balance Pitta heat.

4. Savory Vegetable Upma (Creamy Semolina with Vegetables)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup semolina (cream of wheat)

• 1 cup water

• 1/4 cup coconut milk (for creaminess)

• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (like carrots, zucchini, and peas)

• 1/4 tsp cumin seeds

• 1 tsp ghee

• A handful of chopped cilantro for garnish

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat ghee in a pan, add cumin seeds, and let them sizzle for a few seconds.

2. Add the chopped vegetables and cook until tender.

3. Add the semolina and lightly toast it until golden.

4. Pour in the water and coconut milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

5. Cook until the mixture is creamy and well combined, then add salt to taste.

6. Garnish with cilantro and serve warm.

Benefits: This savory dish is grounding, cooling, and satisfying, perfect for starting the day without overheating Pitta energy.

5. Sweet Potato and Spinach Breakfast Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 small sweet potato, peeled and cubed

• 1 cup spinach, steamed

• 1/4 avocado, sliced

• 1 tsp ghee or olive oil

• A pinch of cumin and coriander powder

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Steam or roast the sweet potato cubes until soft.

2. In a pan, heat ghee or olive oil and add cumin and coriander powder.

3. Add the steamed spinach and cooked sweet potatoes, and stir to coat with spices.

4. Season with salt and top with avocado slices.

Benefits: Sweet potatoes and spinach provide a cooling, grounding start to the day, while the spices add gentle warmth without aggravating Pitta.

Tips for Pitta-Balancing Breakfasts:

• Choose foods that are sweet, cooling, and easy on the stomach.

• Avoid excessively spicy, salty, or sour ingredients.

• Favor naturally sweet vegetables (like sweet potatoes) and cooling fruits in cooked form.

• Include ingredients like coconut, fresh herbs, and spices like coriander or cardamom for additional cooling.

These fully cooked breakfasts are perfect for bringing balance to Pitta energy, starting the day with calm, cooling nourishment.