Falling Leaves of October
The chilled air rushes past your face as the burnt orange leaves rustle past your feet. You walk under the dark night sky as the stars twinkle above your head. October is finally upon us, a time to soothe the Vata in you. October is a month of harvest and ghost stories, of little ghouls and tiny princesses. Family celebrations become more frequent and keeping our bodies nourished is a priority.
Ayurveda teaches us that we must be balanced. In order to maintain balance during the fall season, it's important to create and maintain a schedule. The weather during October can be unpredictable, the change of the sunset against the time can throw your bodies rhythm off, and getting back into the swing of work and school can make you feel sluggish. Keep a constant schedule in order to assist your bodies natural balance. Rise with the sun, eat your meals at the same time each day, eat an early dinner. Mind your Dosha.
October is a cool, dry month; it shares the same characteristics as Vata Dosha. That’s why the the fall is the Vata season. The best way to soothe Vata Dosha during this time of year is to stay hydrated and eat foods that are warm, oily, heavy and build immunity (ojas). Now is the time to trade in your salads for soups and your fresh fruit for pureed fruit.
Pumpkin is a seasonal vegetable that is delicious when made into a soup. It’s creamy, hydrating, and warms up your insides.
Pumpkin Soup Recipe
2.4 lb pumpkin (any) , unpeeled weight (Note 1)
1 onion, sliced (white, brown, yellow)
2 garlic cloves , peeled whole
3 cups vegetable or chicken broth , low sodium
1 cup 250 ml water
Salt and pepper
1/2 - 3/4 cup cream or half and half
1. Cut the pumpkin into 2.25" slices. Cut the skin off, scrape seeds out, cut into chunks.
2. Place the pumpkin, onion, garlic, broth and water in a pot - liquid won't cover all the pumpkin. Bring to a boil, uncover, then reduce heat and let simmer rapidly until pumpkin is tender.
3. Remove from heat and blend until smooth.
4. Season to taste with salt and pepper, add cream
5. Ladle soup into bowls, drizzle a bit of cream, garnish with pepper and parsley.
October is an enchanting month for a warm night in with your loved ones. So, grab a blanket and a scary movie. Make some pumpkin soup to satisfy your Dosha and enjoy. Happy Halloween!
