Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) has become famous in the last decade as a superfood, because of its high levels of protein and dense nutrition. One cup of cooked quinoa contains 8 grams of protein, more than any other grain. Technically its actually not a grain, but a tiny seed from South America, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years. To the Incas, quinoa was a sacred food they called it the “mother of all grains.”
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This simple tofu scramble recipe is one of our favorite (and fastest) ways to prepare a protein-rich vegetarian dish. I was first inspired to make this dish after tasting a similar preparation at Bloodroot, our local vegan and vegetarian restaurant in the Black Rock section of Bridgeport, Connecticut.
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Bulgur is one of those whole grains that you’ve probably tried in Middle Eastern dishes like tabbouleh, and you’ve also most likely scanned right over it in the bulk bins of your health food store. It’s a nutty, rustic and delicious grain that somehow hasn’t gotten as much press as quinoa and brown rice, so for many it is still a novelty. Though it may be somewhat more mysterious than other whole grains, don’t let that scare you off. It’s actually one of the easiest hearty grains to prepare – you don’t even need to really cook it! Though you can boil and simmer bulgur like most grains, the easiest way to make it is to simply pour boiling water or broth right over the grains and let them steep for about 20-30 minutes (see recipe below).
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No matter what I’m cooking, or packing for my lunch, my plate and tupperware just don’t feel complete until there is a mound of green goodness to go along with the rest of my meal. Eating greens everyday, even at breakfast, is a superb way to make sure to keep your body’s chemistry on the alkaline side of the spectrum. Leafy greens also provide loads of vitamins A & K, calcium, and antioxidants.
I’m a fan of easy, healthy cooking,
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Brown rice is one of my favorite grains. It’s chewy, nutty, wholesome and delicious. It makes a healthful base for any meal, and preparing it at home is easy. I usually put a pot of brown rice on the stove before I do anything else in the kitchen, and by the time I’m done preparing the rest of the meal, the rice is ready! When I cook grains, I like to make enough for the meal I’m cooking with extra for lunch the next day.
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Lately we can’t get enough of our newest Bancha Hojicha, a nutty, rustic, and roasted Japanese green tea! Hojicha is unique among Japanese teas because it is roasted in a porcelain pot over charcoal, whereas most Japanese teas are steamed. Served cold over ice, it’s been a hit at Martha Stewart Café in NYC, and also at the Black Rock and Westport farmers’ market.
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With summer’s balmy weather, there is nothing like a refreshing cup of iced tea to cool you down and quench your thirst. Here are three easy techniques that show you how to make loose leaf iced tea as an instant cup, a pitcher, or a gallon or more with your favorite Arogya tea.
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Our living space has a tremendous effect upon our mental and physical health and well-being. When people walk into our storefront in Westport, CT, very often they immediately take a big breath in and say, “Wow! it smells so nice in here.” Or as they walk around the store browsing our teas and wellness products they mention how calming the space is. And when clients come out of an acupuncture or massage session, they often linger in our store front to soak up the good vibes and peacefully drink a cup of tea before moving on with their day. Everyday I see people coming in to our store and immediately being uplifted, soothed and reminded to breathe deeply upon entering our peaceful environment. What makes a space healing for your mind and body? And how can you bring these elements into your own life so that you too can make your home a wellness sanctuary?
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One of my favorite spice blends to uplift a pot of noodles or rice is the Japanese spice powder called shichimi togarashi. Being a lover of DIY kitchen projects, I decided to make my own adaptation of this digestive spice blend with an Arogya-touch. Not only does this blend bring an added dimension of flavor and depth to any meal, it also has medicinal value. In Chinese medicine, healthy digestion comes with good stomach-fire. When the stomach-fire is weak, digestion is poor, which also affects other systems of the body including immunity. This well-balanced, anti-inflammatory and flavor-enhancing powder promotes healthy stomach fire, and thus, improves digestion.
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I recently returned from a 9-day meditation retreat at Insight Meditation Society in Barre, MA. It was a wonderful opportunity to tune in, slow down, observe the nature of the mind, and cultivate mindfulness and compassion. Each day involved a schedule of alternating periods of walking and sitting mediation, mediation instruction, qigong, a dharma talk, chores, and three incredible vegetarian meals a day.
Meal times were some of my favorite moments of the day. Not only was every meal delicious, fresh and varied, it was also such a delight to have the time and awareness to eat slowly and mindfully. Taking my time with each bite, chewing thoroughly, and noticing how the food delighted my taste buds and mind made each meal incredibly satisfying and nourishing.
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