Stewed Apples
You may be thinking, “Stewed apples”? What kind of recipe is that?
Well, those of you who have been around me lately, heard I was sick for about 10 days over the Thanksgiving holiday. This recipe is inspired during that time…uh, gross? Well, actually quite tasty!
You see, there are many things in life I feel I have control over and like all of us, there are things I work on constantly. For me, the subject of “Health” is one I feel easy about, managed, check the box for done, etc. Until my birthday.
I teach nutrition, I teach wellness, I cook most our family meals, I have super strong digestion, I make our cough syrup, and if anyone in the house feels a cold coming on, I make blends of immunity juice and tonics with teas…we rarely get sick.
So as I went to bed the night before my birthday, I felt off …really off. And when I woke the next day it was like all my knowledge and tools had vanished, and I had no idea what to do. My body, with not too much warning, went to war, and I lost all control.
As I went in and out of consciousness for the next several days, my thoughts often returned to the quote “Health is the new Wealth”! Uh, yes!! I could not do anything! Couldn’t take care of my kids, couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep, couldn’t even focus on the silly holiday love stories on Netflix. I kept saying, “we’ll celebrate my birthday tomorrow, I’m sure tomorrow will be better…” Nope.
As I became frustrated, I tried my holistic remedies…then I even let Pablo convince me to try over the counter remedies…and finally I went to the hospital. I felt a bit better after receiving fluids, but still had no answer. The next day I returned to my original teachings of Ayurveda. My condition was considered a Pitta imbalance in which my body has too much fire and water. So I began drinking mint tea and found a recipe for Stewed apples. The mint tea was actually perfect - it took my an entire day to sip through about 10oz but it tasted good. The apples smelled wonderful and I managed to eat 1/8 slice for the day…my 10 year old devoured the remaining apples after asking every 10 min, “Mom, can I have another?”
In the end, the hospital found a bacteria strain and prescribed antibiotics. This began the official healing process…I am ever grateful to medicine and the lovely staff at CHOMP :-)
Upon returning to the studio, I heard several stories about other digestive woe’s from clients. So, these stewed apples are good for the gut, easy to digest, and considered astringent which is helpful for an uneasy tummy.
As we enter the season of heavy treats, and too many libations, this recipe may be useful to you as a simple recovery meal. And if anything, as we feel our belly signal signs of distress, we’ll remember how important our health really is…and appreciate the days we feel good.
Stewed Apples
Peel and slice or chop 1–2 apples. Place in a small saucepan with enough water to cover the apples, 1 teaspoon ghee, and a pinch each of: cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and natural mineral salt. Bring to a boil and then turn down to a simmer. Cook covered until the apples are mushy (10-20 minutes). This dish is delicious and easy to digest. The apples are gently astringent and help to bind the stools.
