As the old saying goes, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." Apples are high in nutrition, and are associated health benefits ranging from improved cardiovascular health, to reduced risk of cancer.
According to Ayurveda, apples are light, astringent, sweet, and sour. Seasonal in fall, they help to cool the heat accumulated throughout summer, pacifying pitta. They also moisten dryness, reducing vata, and stimulate appetite, benefitting kapha. Apples are high in malic and tartaric acids, which inhibit the growth of "bad" bacteria in the GI gract, benefitting indigestion. They are also high in pectin, which helps to lower cholesterol and cleanse heavy metals. They are cleansing and beneficial for liver and gallbladder, and are known for softening gallstones.
Oats are sweet, cooling, and soothing to the nervous system. They are high in fiber and also reduce cholesterol. They also help to renew bones and connective tissue, making them especially vata-pacifying.
Almonds are considered to be energizing and building for ojas, the superfine essence of all bodily tissues that is responsible for our vitality and immunity. They beneficial for the lungs, and alkalizing to the blood.
This decadent, gluten-free apple crisp is not only healthy, but comforting. It smells amazing while it's cooking, and is a delicious but light dessert. It even makes a wonderful breakfast the next morning!
Ayurvedic Apple Crisp
V↓ P↓ K↓
Ingredients
1 1/3 cups almond flour/meal
2/3 cup rolled oats
1/2 teaspoon himalayan salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/3 cup ghee or coconut oil, melted, plus more for greasing dish
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4-5 medium apples, cored and chopped
Preparation
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large bowl, combine the almond meal, oats, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a smaller bowl, combine the melted ghee, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
Grease a 9-inch round or square baking dish with ghee or coconut oil, then fill with apples. Crumble the topping mixture over the apples.
Bake at 350 degress for 45-50 minutes, or until topping turns a golden-brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Serves 5-6.
To learn more about an Ayurvedic diet, nutrition and lifestyle, check out my upcoming Living Ayurveda Online Course. We begin January 11th, 2022!