Morning Bliss Rice Pudding Recipe
Let’s whip up a comforting Morning Bliss Rice Pudding for two, a sattvic delight to kickstart your day with nourishment and love! This Ayurvedic treat uses ghee, white rice, milk, almonds, cardamom, cinnamon, dates, and optional rose or saffron to balance doshas, boost ojas (vital essence), and gently break down mucus—perfect for a cozy morning hug from your bowl.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
½ cup white basmati rice (soaked for 30 minutes, rinsed)
2 cups whole milk (preferably organic)
1 tbsp ghee
4–5 cardamom pods (crushed) or ¼ tsp ground cardamom
1 small cinnamon stick or ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
4–5 pitted dates (chopped)
8–10 almonds (soaked, peeled, and chopped)
1 tsp rose water or a pinch of saffron threads (optional)
Pinch of salt
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, melt ghee over low heat. Add rice and sauté for 2–3 minutes until lightly toasted.
Pour in milk, add cardamom, cinnamon, dates, and salt. Stir well.
Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer on low for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is soft and creamy. Add a splash of water if it thickens too much.
Remove cinnamon stick (if using) and stir in rose water or saffron (if using). Let it sit for 5 minutes.
Serve warm in bowls—perfect for a morning bliss moment!
Why It Works
Spices and Mucus: Cardamom and cinnamon are warming, stimulating digestion (agni) and helping break down excess Kapha mucus in the lungs or sinuses by clearing srotas (channels). Their aromatic nature also uplifts the mind—less sniffles, more smiles!
Almonds: Soaked and peeled almonds nourish rasa dhatu (plasma) and shukra dhatu (reproductive tissue), adding healthy fats and protein to boost ojas and energy. Their crunch balances the pudding’s creaminess.
Milk Digestion: Warm milk is easier on the stomach than cold, as heat activates agni. Paired with ghee (lubricates), cardamom (aids digestion), and cinnamon (reduces bloating), it nourishes without clogging. Dates add natural sweetness, balancing milk’s heaviness.
Dairy Intolerances: Many struggle with dairy due to undigested lactose or casein, often from cold, unspiced milk overwhelming agni. Traditional preparation with warming spices and ghee, as in Ayurveda, enhances digestibility. Pair milk with nuts, dates, or spices—not ice cream sundaes!
Optional Rose or Saffron: Rose water cools Pitta, soothes emotions, and adds a floral note, while saffron (a pinch is plenty—don’t bankrupt your pantry!) warms, boosts ojas, and lifts mood with its golden glow. Both are sattvic, promoting peace.
Sattvic and Ojas-Boosting: This recipe is sattvic—pure, light, and harmonious—nourishing ojas with ghee’s richness and dates’ sweetness. It’s like a hug for your soul, minus the clingy ex vibes!
