Vegetarian Moroccan Haraira

/

This is an excellent recipe for women's health as it is high in folate for pregnant and nursing women. Fava beans are among the oldest legume cultivars going back 5,000 years. As well as having the typical health benefits of legumes, they also are a good source of l-dopa, a dopamine precursor and are being investigated as a medicine for Parkinson's. Since l-dopa also increases HGH production, fava beans are an important rejuvenative food for elders. To overcome the gas-forming and vata aggravating properties of fava beans, a recipe such as this is suitable. It is warm, moist and soupy and employs vata soothing digestive spices such as ginger, turmeric, saffron, cinnamon and cumin. You can get fava beans at Middle Eastern markets. Try it and enjoy!

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

  • 2 Roma tomatoes

  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger

  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric

  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

  • 8 threads Spanish saffron--crushed

  • 20 sprigs fresh cilantro

  • 10 sprigs parsley, flat leaf

  • salt--to taste

  • black pepper--freshly ground

  • 1 cup red lentils--rinsed & picked over

  • 8 cups water

  • 1 ½ cups garbanzo beans--cooked, with liquid

  • 1 ½ cups fava beans--cooked, with liquid

  • ½ cup gluten free rice angel hair

  • lemon wedges--as desired/garnish

In a blender or food processor, combine the tomatoes, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, saffron, cilantro, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Puree the mixture, in batches if necessary, until fairly smooth.
In a soup pot, heat the oil, add the pureed mixture and bring to a boil.

Add the lentils and water.
Cover tightly and reduce heat to low.
Simmer the soup until the lentils are tender, 30 to 35 minutes.
Add the undrained garbanzo beans and the favas and bring the soup back to a low boil.
Add the pasta and cook until tender, 6 to 8 minutes.
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with lemon wedges.

Serving Size: 8

Adapted from Kitty Morse - The Vegetarian Table

Alakananda Ma M.B., B.S. (Lond.) is an Ayurvedic Doctor (NAMA) and graduate of a top London medical school. She is co-founder of Alandi Ayurveda Clinic and Alandi Ayurveda Gurukula in Boulder Colorado, as well as a spiritual mother, teacher, flower essence maker and storyteller. Alakananda is a well known and highly respected practitioner in the Ayurveda community both nationally and internationally.

Enliven your holistic health! Visit Alakananda Ma in Alandi Ashram’s ayurvedic clinic to support the overall rejuvenation of your body, mind, and spirit. In-person and virtual appointments available. Book now!