Satya, sivam and sundaram.
Truth, sacredness, and beauty are three most important characteristics seen throughout the universe. They come from the Eternal Truth and are contained in everything to a greater or lesser extent. Happiness takes shelter under their protection. Violence can utterly spoil them. When we intentionally violate these qualities we violate Truth. It is, therefore, our duty to preserve and maintain them.
~ The Sacred Tradition of Yoga – Dr Shankaranarayana Jois
A recipe shared by our teacher last year as part of The Jivana Yoga Programme, we are fortunate to be graced with their presence here in Portugal. Their presence in our home and lives leaves a profound effect on our daily existence and our practices become that little bit more concrete and established on this yogic path.
Kaseri Bath – Sweet Upma
Preparation 40 minutes
Serves 8 – 10 small servings
Kaseri Bath is especially recommended for Yoga practitioners. It calms the mind and keeps it fresh. It may be used by all constitutions. Kaseri Bath can be served as part of the main meal and it is especially recommended to be served with Upma or Idli. Best served warm, it is the Indian tradition to start with the sweet first. Depending on the type of sugar used, the taste and colour may vary. Instead of bananas, apple or pineapple can be used.
ingredients
1½ cups/350ml warm water
1 pinch saffron – 15 threads
½ cup/125ml ghee – melted
10 cashew
10 almonds
1 cup/170g semolina
¼ cup/35g raisins
3 medium/200g bananas
¼ tsp fine rock salt
1 cup/205g light brown sugar
6 cardamom pods – ¼ tsp
preparation
1. Place the saffron threads in warm water to steep for 15 minutes.
2. Cut the almonds into 3 pieces and the cashew nuts into 2 pieces. Peel and cut the bananas into 1 cm pieces. Remove the hard shell from the cardamom, and place the small black seeds in a mortar and pestle, grind into a fine powder – set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, add ghee, almonds, cashews and semolina – stir continuously for 10 minutes, or until the cashews have turned golden-brown.
4. Pour in the saffron water, add the raisins, chopped banana and salt – stir continuously for 3 minutes.
5. Add the sugar, after about 30 seconds of stirring the Kaseri Bath will become considerably softer and liquid in consistency, and then will thicken slightly again. This process will take approximately 2-3 minutes, of continually stirring; or until the sugar has dissolved. While stirring, once you feel the Kaseri Bath is thicker in consistency and starts to pull away from the pan – it is ready.
6. Turn off the heat, stir in the cardamom powder, mixing well.
Allow the Kaseri Bath to rest for a minute and for the flavours to deepen. Serve warm.
Goodness shared by Stacey
