"I think careful cooking is love, don't you?
The loveliest thing you can cook for someone who's close to you
is about as nice a Valentine as you can give."
- Julia Child
WINTER FAVOURITE: ADZUKI STEW FOR HEALTH & LONGEVITY
This warming adzuki stew is one of my favourites in the winter months.
Adzuki beans are considered the most 'yang' of all beans, making them ideal for helping us to keep warm in cool weather, prized for supporting healthy digestive, heart, adrenal and reproductive functions. Energizing, low fat and high protein, they are a delicious way to initiate yourself to using food as medicine.
Adzuki Bean Stew
Ingredients:
1 cup dried adzuki beans, soaked
2 bay leaves (optional)
4 cups water
2 cups butternut squash, peeled and chopped (or acord squash)
1 carrot, cubed and sliced
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried savory (optional)
2-4 tablespoons miso paste (I used a light coloured miso)
Preparation:
1. Drain the beans. Place in a pan with the bay leaves and water, and cook over medium heat for 35-40 minutes, until almost tender. If necessary, add a bit more water.
2. Add the squash, carrot and herbs, and continue to simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally until everything is tender. You want the stew to have a slightly dry consistency.
3. When vegetables are cooked, removed the pan from heat and stir in the miso. Serve at once, with a side of quinoa or short-grained brown rice. Enjoy your masterpiece!
About the Author
Briya Freeman has been creating spaces for healing and spiritual awakening since 2011. She is passionate about exploring the potentials of human consciousness in a way that unites and transcends global culture. Her background includes 20+ years of study and practice in hatha yoga, Ayurveda, Breathontology, meditation, bioenergetics and shamanism.
As a teacher, she is known for an approach that is down-to-earth, intuitive and deeply seated. She can be reached at hello@briyafreeman.com,
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