Beet Millet Pulao

Ayurvedic principles tally with nutritional science when it comes to the concept of “sweet.” The madhura rasa in Ayurveda includes natural sweeteners like honey, dates, and jaggery and foods that provide energy from more complex carbohydrates: grains, dairy, vegetables such as beets and pumpkins, and nuts like cashews. In a nutshell, “sweet” foods in Ayurveda provide efficient energy to the body. The primary elements associated with the madhura rasa are earth and water. Food with a dominant madhura rasa is said to have a cooling effect on the body and — when eaten in moderation — to promote longevity, strength, and healthy bodily fluids and tissues. However, overindulging in “sweet” foods dampens the digestive fire, leading to lethargy. If such foods leave you fatigued, you are eating too much of this element for your constitutional needs. I feel my system slowing down when I have carbohydrates and sugar, so I’ve become more mindful of the kinds of “sweet” foods I consume. For example, I’ll replace white rice with a pulao like this one in my Ayurvedic thali.