7 delicious Ayush food that will improve your health and stimulate your taste buds: No. 3 - Peya (medicated rice gruel)

by Ayurveda Admin

Ayush foods, deeply rooted in Ayurveda, offer a harmonious blend of taste and nutrition. Among the many nourishing options, Peya, a medicated rice gruel, stands out as a comforting and wholesome dish that promotes digestive health and overall vitality.

Peya is a light, easily digestible rice gruel made with red rice, medicinal spices, and coconut milk or milk. It is often recommended for individuals recovering from illness or those seeking a nutritious, low-fat meal.

Here’s how you can make this nourishing dish at home:

Ingredients:

• Red rice (300g): The key ingredient, rich in antioxidants and fiber.

• Water (1500ml): Essential for cooking the rice to the perfect consistency.

• Salt (to taste): Enhances flavor while maintaining electrolyte balance.

• Mustard seeds (½ tsp), cumin seeds (1 tsp), fenugreek seeds (¼ tsp): These spices aid digestion and improve metabolism.

• Dry ginger (¼ inch), cinnamon (¼ inch), cardamom (1), cloves (2): These warming spices add aroma and medicinal benefits.

• Coconut milk or milk (100ml): Adds creaminess and nutrition.

Method:

1. Wash the red rice and soak it for 5–10 minutes.

2. Dry roast mustard, fenugreek, and cumin seeds, then grind them coarsely.

3. Boil water in a pressure cooker, add salt and rice, and stir in the spice powder.

4. Close the lid and cook on a medium flame for 4–5 whistles.

5. Once the pressure releases, transfer the Peya to a serving bowl.

6. Stir in coconut milk or regular milk for added richness.

7. Serve hot with stir-fried vegetables and chutney for a complete meal.

Health Benefits of Peya

Peya is more than just a comfort food—it is packed with essential nutrients that support various aspects of health:

• Rich in Antioxidants: The natural red color of the rice is due to anthocyanins, which fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress.

• Diabetes-Friendly: With a low glycemic index, Peya helps regulate blood sugar levels, making it suitable for diabetics.

• Heart-Healthy: The fiber, iron, and zinc in red rice contribute to cardiovascular health.

• Weight Management: Being low in fat and high in fiber, Peya aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness.

• Strengthens Immunity: Spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves enhance metabolism and boost the immune system.

If someone is sensitive to coconut milk, they can replace it with water or regular milk. This ensures that the dish remains light and easy to digest while retaining its medicinal properties.

Peya‘s simple preparation, combined with Ayurvedic wisdom, makes it an ideal choice for those looking to improve digestion, boost immunity, and maintain overall health. Whether consumed as a meal or a light snack, Peya is a delicious way to nourish the body while indulging in the goodness of Ayurveda.

Stay tuned for more Ayush food recommendations that blend taste and health in the most delightful way!