Spicy Stewed Apple

Apples with cinnamon and cloves.....this is a yummy medicinal delight for the morning.

In Ayurveda warm food is recommended for better digestion. In fact, eating raw cold foods can aggravate certain doshas. This spicy stewed apple recipe certainly treats my belly more kindly than a bowl of chopped raw apple.

Ranjan always recommends a warm meal for breakfast, something substantial that will take at least 25/30 minutes to eat. I eat stewed apple after my rice and Dahl or sometimes as a side to porridge or sago, which will then be followed by the meal - Sri Lankan omelette or milk rice and pol sambol.....

Think warm nourishing meal for breakfast and your belly will thank you for it!

Let's take a look at the benefits of apples and spices:

Apples

they are packed full of vitamin A and potassium.

Vitamin A brings good vision or a healthy immune system and cell growth.

Potassium is one of the most important minerals in the body. It helps regulate fluid balance, muscle contractions and nerve signals

Cinnamon

This delicious spice is one of my favourites, not only adding delicious sweetness but being anti-inflammatory for the body.

Star Anise

This pretty spice is fantastic for our digestive system

Cloves

This distinctive and earthy spice is metabolism-activating and extremely good for our oral health

Recipe - for 1 person

• 1 apple cored (peel if skin is thick or digestion is weak. You can simmer the peel with apples to get the benefits and then discard)

• 5 whole cloves

• 60ml water

• 1 star anise

• Pinch of ground cinnamon or crumble a piece of cinnamon stick if you really love this spice.

Serves 1.

Cut the apples into quarters or chunks. Add to a small pan with the cloves, water and star anise and bring to boil.

Lower the heat to a simmer then cover and cook for about 5 minutes until tender.

Add the cinnamon, then remove from the heat and allow to sit for about 10 minutes.

Tip: important to use a very small pan with a tight-fitting lid. With a bigger pan you may need to increase the volume of water.

I sometimes add a little jaggery (palm sugar)....its optional, depends what you are eating it with.