Ayurvedic Fall Soup Recipe…The Yoga Way!

By Claire Diab and Dennis Boyle

I am excited to share one of my favorite fall recipes. My good friend MaryAnn Gebhardt introduced me to this nourishing and grounding Beet Soup. This meal is simple, quick, and delicious! You can get creative … add any of your favorite veggies and enjoy!

Soups are ideal for Ayurvedic nutrition during the fall season. Nothing warms us up and keeps us grounded like a hearty bowl of nourishing soup!  Soups are easy to make, easy to digest, and perfect for a light evening meal.

Here is my favorite Beet Soup:

Ingredients:

2 cups sliced beets (cut into small pieces)

1 tablespoon ghee (or butter)

5 cups water or broth

1 garlic clove

1 carrot grated

1/2 onion chopped

Yogurt (or sour cream)

You can add sweet potato, squash, kale, or any of your favorites to this soup–the possibilities are endless!

Directions:

1. Sauté onions and garlic in ghee/butter  for 5 minutes.
2. Add water (or broth), beets, and any veggies  you choose.
3. Bring to a boil and cover.
4. Let cook for 45 minutes on medium-low heat.
5. Once beets are tender, remove from stove.
6. Salt and pepper to taste, stir well or blend.
7. Serve with yogurt or sour cream on top.

Fun Facts about Beets

Beets are high in immune boosting vitamin C, fiber, and essential minerals such as potassium (great for nerve and muscle function) and manganese (supports bones, liver, kidneys, and pancreas).

Here are Six Benefits to Adding Beets or Beet Juice to Your Diet

1. Lowers your blood pressure.
2. Boosts stamina (great to drink beet juice before exercise!).
3. Fights inflammation.
4. Anti-cancer properties (there is research being done on the phytonutrients that give beets their rich color and how these can affect cancer; beetroot extract is being studied for use treating pancreatic, breast, and prostate cancers).
5. Rich in nutrients and fiber.
6. Detoxification support.

We hope you enjoy this soup and feel union with the power of your food to nourish you. Connect with your body to stay strong and healthy!

Claire Diab is an internationally recognized Yoga therapist. She is the director of the Yoga Program for the Chopra Center founded by Dr. Deepak Chopra and Dr. David Simon. She is an adjunct professor of Asian Studies at Seton Hall University. She is the author of several books and DVDs on Yoga including “Yoga For Firefighters.”

Dennis Boyle is a retired fire director and acting chief with the West Orange (NJ) Fire Department. He was the recipient of the 1999 New Jersey Deputy Fire Chiefs “Fire Officer of the Ye