The Parts of the Book

This book is split into three parts: Part 1: Introduction, followed by Part 2: The Recipes, then Part 3: Ayurveda Explained, which includes guidance on Doshas, Qualities, Tastes and lifestyle advice from the philosophy of Ayurveda.

The recipes are split into nine sections, beginning with the all-important Morning Milks – potent small meals that that are great for easing you into the day, as well as out of it. These are followed by more substantial Parana (breakfasts), some of which also make good lunches and suppers – look out for the moon signs which indicate what time of day each recipe is suited to. Then come the Sweet Treats – yes, these come before lunch in this book. This is because lunch, which I like to call ‘Surya Agni’ (‘Sun Fire’ in Sanskrit) is when your digestion is at its strongest. This is the best time of day to enjoy a main meal, and since sweet foods are the most heavy to digest as well as the most satisfying, in Ayurveda your starter is small and sweet and leaves you feeling just right, rather than eating savoury foods until you’re full and then pushing yourself over the edge with pudding! Pick lunch and dinner from the next two sections – Pakti Bowls and Soups and Stews. A cooked meal is considered ideal in Ayurveda, and this book celebrates the soups and stews that make the perfect easy-to-digest supper. As wonderfully homely as they are, sometimes we need some crunch and so my ‘Pakti bowls’ (Pakti’s meanings include ‘cooked, dignity, digestion’ in Sanskrit) are easy-to-digest hot salads and cooked dishes with plenty of texture. There is also a section for celebratory dishes – the kinds of things you save for entertaining – followed by a section dedicated to condiments and side dishes that can complete or elevate any meal. Last but not least, there’s an Apothecary section with medicinal teas and a medicine cabinet full of age-old recipes to support you through anything that doesn’t make you feel good.