This wonderful blend of aromatic spices is perfect for an array of dishes. This finishing sattvic spice mix adds sweetness, warmth, floral notes, and a touch of heat from black pepper. Most often, I add this spice towards the end of the cooking process, so it does not just season the dish but enhances it with a fragrant aroma. Sometimes I sprinkle a little bit of it on the top of the dish right before serving.
watch me do it
A combination of cloves, cinnamon, and paprika add a chocolaty-cherry taste that I love. Often I enjoy this spice mix with my buckwheat tea. Just a little pinch of the fragrant spices adds a welcoming dimension to a hot drink.
In this recipe, I break the nutmeg into small pieces just to show this method. But personally, I prefer the shredding method. In my opinion, it roasts more evenly. If shredded, add it at the very end of the roasting process for no more than 1 minute
Finishing Spice Mix Anatomy
Black pepper –pungent/heating– is one of the most potent digestive stimulants. It burns out Ama and cleanses the alimentary canal (energizing digestive fire to destroy toxins and digest food). It is an excellent antidote to cold food (like cucumbers) and excessive intake of raw food and salads.*2
Cardamom (green) – pungent/cooling – aids digestion, freshens mouth, helps with protein metabolism. Cardamom is one of the best and safest digestive stimulants. It awakens the spleen, stimulates samana vayu (balancing air), stimulates the mind and heart, and gives clarity and joy. Its quality is sattvic and it is particularly good for opening and soothing the flow of pranas (life energy) in the body. *2
Ceylon cinnamon -sweet, pungent/heating- Promotes digestion. It is loaded with antioxidants. In antioxidant activity exceeds “superfoods” like garlic and oregano (30). In addition, it has potent anti-inflammatory properties (8, 9), reduces insulin resistance (31, 32), and lowers blood sugar (33, 34, 35), has anti-cancerous properties (36, 37, 38, 39, 40). Like ginger, it is almost a universal medicine. In addition, cinnamon helps with glucose and carbohydrate metabolism.
Cloves – pungent, heating- Digestive stimulant, cloves open circulatory channels and disinfect lymphatic system.*2 Cloves have anti-cancerous qualities (10, 11, 12 ), and improve stomach and liver function (18)
Nutmeg -sweet, astringent, pungent/slightly heating- is one of the best spices for increasing nutrient absorption, especially in the colon. It combines well with cardamom and ginger. Nutmeg calms the mind and promotes restful sleep. However, if taken in excess, Nutmeg can increase dullness of mind and has a tamasic quality (similar to poppy seeds).*2 Nutmeg has powerful anti-inflammatory properties (16, 17, 18).
Paprika (made from dried red Bell peppers) promotes healthy vision, reduces inflammation and pain (13, 14, 15), protects against arthritis, nerve damage, and digestive issues (13, 16). Has anti-cancerous capabilities (26) and helps decrease blood sugar and insulin levels (27, 28)
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- 1 tbsp cardamom pods
- 1-2 tsp black peppercorns
- 1/3 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tbsp Ceylon cinnamon
- 1 tsp cloves (whole)
- 1 tsp paprika
- Heat the fry pan on medium heat and add cardamom seeds, black peppercorns, cloves, and nutmeg. Dry roast the seeds constantly stirring until fragrant.
- Transfer spices into a bowl immediately because even if you turn off the heat, they will continue cooking on a hot pan and might burn. While seeds are still hot, mix in cinnamon and paprika. Set aside to cool a bit.
- Transfer seeds to a coffee grinder* and grind to a fine powder
- Place in an airtight spice jar, and store in a cool, dry place*.
What about you?
Did you try this recipe? What dish did you decide to pair this spice mix with?
I love hearing from you. Let me know how it went in the comments below and share a picture of your spice mix on Instagram with the hashtag #positivepranic 🙂 🙏
more recipes from this video
see more spice mixes
REFERENCES
*1 Pole, Sebastian. Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice. London: Churchill Livingston, 2006. Print. 44-46, 103-105.
*2 Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad. An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine. Second revised and enlarged edition, 2001. Print 2008. p.155, 109, 150, 105
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Amazing. Thank you!