Nourishing Ayurvedic Cooking: Ayurvedic Spiced Sweet Potato Soup Recipe

The first 42 days after childbirth, referred to as the "sacred window" in Ayurveda is a crucial and pivotal period for a mother's recovery and rejuvenation. During this time a woman's body, mind and spirit undergo significant changes as she heals from childbirth and adjusts to the demands of caring for a newborn and stepping into the role of a mother.

Ayurvedic practices offer a holistic approach to postpartum care, emphasizing the importance of nourishment, restoring balance, and promoting vitality at the end of the postpartum window. One of the key components of this approach is diet, which plays a vital role in rejuvenating a mother's body.

The Importance of Nourishing Recipes

In Ayurveda, the postpartum period is seen as a time to restore balance and replenish the body's energy reserves. This involves consuming foods that are easy to digest, warm, and nourishing. These foods help to rebuild tissue, support lactation, and balance the doshas (Vata in particular). If a Mother's digestion (agni) is weak and food cannot be broken down, further imbalances may occur, such as constipation, indigestion, etc. 

Examples of Essential Ayurvedic Ingredients for Postpartum Healing

1. Ghee: A staple in Ayurvedic cooking, ghee is known for its ability to enhance digestion, lubricate joints, remove waste and provide a rich source of healthy fats essential for recovery.
2. Mung Dal: Light and easy to digest, mung dal is packed with protein and essential nutrients, making it ideal for postpartum nourishment.
3. Spices: turmeric, cumin, fennel, mustard seed, garlic, fenugreek seeds, cinnamon, clove and ginger support digestion, reduce inflammation and promote healing.
4. Basmati Rice: One of the easiest grains to digest, soothing and grounding and is a steady source of energy.
5. Cow's Milk: Ojas-producing and highly nutritious
6. Root Vegetables: Sweet Potatoes, Carrots, Parsnips, Japanese Yams

Recipe : Ayurvedic Spiced Sweet Potato Soup

Ingredients:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
• ½ sweet onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and grated
• 1 tbsp ghee
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/2 lime, juiced

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
   • Peel and cube the sweet potatoes and carrot, roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Grate the ginger.
2. Cooking:
   • In a large pot, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and sauté until they begin to pop.
   • Add the chopped onion, garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
   • Add the turmeric powder, ground coriander, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
   • Add the roasted sweet potatoes and carrots to the pot. Stir to coat them with the spices.
   • Pour in the vegetable broth or water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20-25 minutes
   • Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Alternatively, you can transfer the soup in batches to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
   • Stir in the coconut milk and simmer for another 5 minutes. Add salt to taste and adjust the consistency by adding more broth or water if necessary.
3. Serving:
   • Serve the soup warm, garnished with fresh cilantro. For a hint of brightness, you can squeeze a little fresh lemon juice over the top before serving.

Benefits of Spiced Sweet Potato Soup for Postpartum Recovery

This Ayurvedic spiced sweet potato soup is a favorite addition to a new Mother's Sacred Window. The soup is nutrient-dense; sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, all of which support overall health and recovery. This Ayurvedic spiced sweet potato soup is Vata pacifying, comforting and delicious. It's packed with nutrients essential for postpartum healing. Adding digestive spices used in this recipe, such as cumin, turmeric, ginger, and coriander, aids digestion, reduces inflammation, and supports detoxification. Balancing and Grounding: The warming nature of the spices and the grounding quality of sweet potatoes are a compliment to help balance Vata dosha, which is knocked out of balance after childbirth.

Incorporating this spiced sweet potato soup into your postpartum meal plan can provide comforting nourishment while supporting your body's healing process.

-----

Written by: Courtney of Mothersource