Often when we’re not feeling well, we look for something to fix it - get a test, take a pill or a supplement, exercise more, see a practitioner, etc.. But resolving symptoms (without becoming dependent on something or someone) is often more about stopping harmful behaviors.
Leaving tomatoes off the menu is something we recommend in Ayurveda - especially for those who experience heartburn and joint pain (but really they’re not great for anybody). Tomatoes are part of the nightshade family (along with bell peppers, eggplant, and white potatoes). They aggravate all doshas, particularly pitta, and they’re inflammatory and acidic (just think about how they feel on your tongue!).
So you may be asking, how will I live without tomatoes? Never fear - nomato sauce is here!
Nomato sauce is a perfect substitute for tomato-based condiments. It is nourishing for all, full of flavour, and is naturally sweet.
Enjoy the nomato sauce served on the side of roasted vegetables, mixed with grains or fresh pasta, or used as a delicious red pizza sauce (check out our video on how to make Ayurvedic pizza!).
Here are two recipes for you to enjoy: a rich saucey version, and a quick simple one with few ingredients when you are pressed for time.
Rich Nomato Sauce
Serves 6-8
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Augmenting
You'll need
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1 small sweet potato peeled and chopped
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1 small beetroot, peeled and chopped finely
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1 ½ tsp mineral salt
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1 ½ medium carrots, chopped
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1 tbsp dried coriander
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pinch hing (asafoetida)
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pinch turmeric powder
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pinch black pepper
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1 chopped date
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1 tbsp maple syrup - optional
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1 ½ tbsp ghee
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2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
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1 cup water
Extras
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1 1/2 cup freshly chopped herbs - half fresh basil and half fresh coriander/cilantro leaves are a great combination
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⅓-½ small lime
Here's how
Heat the ghee and olive oil in a small pan and simmer the salt, hing, coriander, turmeric, and black pepper until the aroma is present. Add the sweet potato, beetroot, carrots, and chopped date and stir to cover with the ghee and spices. Add the water, stir, cover and simmer until tender and can be pierced with a knife. You might need to add a little more water to achieve the desired sauce consistency. Let cool a few minutes then blend using a blender, food processor, or hand blender, and stir in the chopped herbs and the lime juice (if using).
Simple Nomato Sauce
Serves 3-4
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Augmenting
You'll need
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1/2 medium beetroot, finely chopped
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1 carrot, finely chopped
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1 parsnip, peeled and finely chopped
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2 tbsp ghee
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pinch hing (asafoetida)
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pinch turmeric powder
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pinch black pepper
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2/3 tsp salt
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2 tbsp chopped coriander - or other herb
Here's how
Heat the ghee in a small pan and simmer the salt, hing, turmeric, and black pepper until the aroma is present. Add the beetroot, parsnip, and carrots, and stir to cover with the ghee and spices. Add the water so it covers the veggies ¾ of the way. Stir, cover and simmer until tender and can be pierced with a knife. You might need to add a little more water to achieve the desired sauce consistency. Let cool a few minutes and blend using a blender, food processor, or hand blender, and stir in the chopped coriander.
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