Lemon & Coriander Soup

Ingridients:

— the juice from one lemon
— fresh coriander
— 1 sweet potato
— 2 small carrots

Dosha Balance

• Vata: Balancing when served warm with ghee

• Pitta: Cooling and soothing (especially if lemon is used lightly)

• Kapha: Light and invigorating, helps clear heaviness and congestion

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

• 1 tablespoon ghee or cold-pressed sesame oil

• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds

• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated

• 1 small green chili (optional; omit for Pitta)

• ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder

• 1 small tomato, finely chopped (optional, for sweetness and tang)

• 4 cups warm water or vegetable broth

• ½ teaspoon rock salt (or to taste)

• ¼ cup fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves, finely chopped (plus more for garnish)

• Juice of ½ lemon (add at the end, off the heat)

• Optional: pinch of black pepper or hing (asafoetida) for digestive support

Method

1. In a pot, warm ghee or oil on medium heat.
   Add cumin seeds and let them splutter gently.

2. Add grated ginger and green chili (if using). Sauté lightly for a few seconds.

3. Stir in turmeric powder and chopped tomato (if using). Cook for 2–3 minutes until tomato softens.

4. Pour in warm water or broth, add rock salt, and bring to a gentle boil.

5. Reduce heat and let the soup simmer for 8–10 minutes to blend the flavors.

6. Turn off the heat, then add fresh coriander leaves and lemon juice.
   Stir gently — do not boil after adding lemon, to preserve its vitamin C and pranic quality.

7. Garnish with a few more coriander leaves and, if desired, a light sprinkle of black pepper or a drizzle of ghee.

Ayurvedic Notes

• For Vata: Use ghee, more coriander, and ensure the soup is warm and lightly salted.

• For Pitta: Use less ginger and chili; lemon can be replaced with a few drops of lime for a gentler sourness.

• For Kapha: Add more ginger, black pepper, and a bit of mustard seed for clearing heaviness.

Healing Benefits

• Lemon: Cleanses ama (toxins), stimulates bile, and refreshes the mind.

• Coriander: Balances all doshas, especially Pitta; detoxifies liver and blood.

• Ginger & Cumin: Strengthen digestion and circulation.

• Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory and enhances complexion and immunity.