Steamed Pear with Cinnamon, Cardamom, and Cloves

Steamed pears make a delicious addition to your oatmeal, yogurt, or can simply be enjoyed on their own. For Vata, a steamed pear is much easier to digest and gentle on the stomach. A raw pear, however, is best eaten in moderation because pears are astringent fruits and can have a drying effect on Vata. Plus, it tastes so good—I eat it nearly every day! For Pitta and Kapha types, pears are more suitable and can be eaten freely.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe organic pear (not overly ripe, but soft enough to gently press the skin)

• 1 cup of water

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp cardamom

• 2 cloves

Optional for a meal:

• Maple syrup (or coconut blossom sugar)

• Nuts (for Vata)

• Pumpkin and sunflower seeds

Steamed Pear Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pear: Slice the pear into halves or chunks, large or small—whatever you prefer.

2. Spice the Water: Fill a saucepan with the cup of water and add the cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.

3. Infuse the Spices: Heat the water on low heat, allowing the spices to infuse into the water.

4. Steam the Pear: Place the pear pieces in a steaming basket above the water or directly into the water and cover with a lid.

5. Steam: Let the pear steam for about 10-15 minutes, depending on how ripe the pear is. Use a fork to check if the pear is soft enough.

6. Serve: Remove the pear from the pan and place it on a plate or in a bowl.

7. Sweeten and Top: Drizzle a little organic maple syrup for sweetness, or sprinkle some coconut blossom sugar. Add seeds and nuts that align with your cycle phase (check seed cycling guidelines). For Vata, add some nuts. Kapha doesn’t need any sweetener—the pear is naturally sweet enough!

Bron: Vasant Lad. The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies. (1999).