Ayurvedic Weight Loss Soup – Moong Dal & Veggie Soup

Ingredients:

1. Moong dal (split green gram) – ½ cup (soaked for 1 hour)
2. Carrots – ½ cup, diced
3. Zucchini – ½ cup, diced
4. Spinach – ½ cup, chopped
5. Ginger – 1 inch, finely chopped
6. Cumin seeds – 1 tsp
7. Turmeric powder – ¼ tsp
8. Coriander powder – ½ tsp
9. Hing (asafoetida) – a pinch
10. Black pepper – ¼ tsp
11. Curry leaves – 5-6
12. Fresh lemon juice – 1 tsp
13. Cilantro – a handful, chopped
14. Ghee (clarified butter) – 1 tsp
15. Water – 3 cups
16. Salt – as per taste

Method:

1. Heat ghee in a pan and add cumin seeds, hing, and curry leaves. Let the cumin seeds splutter.
2. Add chopped ginger and sauté for a minute.
3. Add diced carrots, zucchini, and soaked moong dal to the pan. Stir well.
4. Sprinkle turmeric powder, coriander powder, and black pepper. Mix to coat the vegetables and dal with the spices.
5. Pour in 3 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes until the vegetables and dal are fully cooked.
7. Add chopped spinach and let it cook for another 5 minutes.
8. Turn off the heat, add fresh lemon juice, and garnish with chopped cilantro.
9. Serve warm.

Benefits:

• Weight Loss: Moong dal is high in fiber and protein, which helps curb hunger, enhances satiety, and boosts metabolism.
• Detoxification: The soup contains antioxidant-rich vegetables like spinach and carrots, supporting the body’s natural detox processes.
• Digestive Health: Ginger and cumin improve digestion and stimulate digestive fire (Agni), reducing bloating and supporting weight loss.
• Low-Calorie: The soup is light, low in calories, and easy to digest, making it ideal for those aiming to shed excess weight.

Ayurvedic Perspective:

• Tridoshic Balance: This soup is tridoshic (balancing for Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) due to the use of gentle spices like cumin and coriander, which support digestion without aggravating any dosha.
• Kapha Reduction: It is especially beneficial for Kapha dosha, which is associated with sluggish metabolism, water retention, and weight gain. The warming spices and light moong dal help reduce Kapha and promote fat metabolism.
• Agnibala (Digestive Fire): By using ginger, cumin, and black pepper, the soup enhances Agni (digestive fire), which is essential for proper digestion and fat burning.
• Detoxifying: Moong dal is known in Ayurveda for its ability to cleanse the digestive tract and detoxify the body, making it a preferred ingredient for weight loss.