Truth tastes sweet.
We have just begun the second week of our Japanese 200-hour Yoga teacher training. I adore working with Japanese students - there is a serenity in them that lies not far below the surface, and they tend to intuitively grasp the philosophy that underlies Yoga and Ayurveda. This understanding makes for a really special learning environment.
The other day I was reminded of a lovely recipe that I created during a Japanese teacher training. The company that had organized the travel for the students had made an error and told the students the wrong day to go home, and so they had an extra day here with us. I wanted to make them something special, something to bring some peace and clarity. I came up with ‘serenity steamers’ - steamed, sweetly spiced rice cakes.
The sweet taste is sattvic - it promotes tranquility in the mind. When we are in a sattvic state we are able to be flexible when plans change suddenly. And we are able to perceive truth and practice truthfulness - satya.
So, for a peaceful meal, and a peaceful mind - enjoy these simple rice cakes.
Serenity steamers
Serves 4
Preparation time: 10-15 minutes
Augmenting
Ingredients
3 Tbsp ghee
½ tsp cinnamon bark powder
½ tsp fennel powder
Pinch of clove powder
1.5 cups freshly ground rice flour
1.5 cups white wheat or red wheat (grinding the wheat berries yourself really makes a big difference in the taste
¼ cup chopped mac nuts
Method
Mix all dry ingredients in a large bowl with your hand. Add ghee and enough water to make a soft moist dough (not sticky).
Make balls of dough about half the size of a golf ball. Place the dough balls into a steamer. I use an idli steamer, but you could also use a steaming basket.
Steam for 20 minutes in an idli steamer, 5 minutes in a basket steamer.
Serve with honey, maple syrup or a little tahini.
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