Legumes are incredibly nutrient, fiber-dense foods that provide an excellent protein source for vegans and vegetarians. Not only that, in Ayurveda, legumes are high in Air energy due to their astringent taste (feels a bit dry on the tongue). That makes meals like this Vegan Lentil Dal Makhani a fantastic Pitta recipe and Kapha recipe!

Kapha types tend toward being overweight, water retention, stagnation, poor circulation, and cyst growth. This is because Kapha energy is Earth-energy dominant. When you are a Kapha body type, this energy tends to weigh them down physically and emotionally.

Pitta types are high in Fire energy, giving them high acidity, high liver enzymes, ulcers, and sometimes diarrhea. They can also light up a room with fury if their fire gets too out of hand!

For these body types, we can use this Kapha recipe (also Pitta recipe) to absorb that excess Earth and Fire energy because lentils are high in Air energy, according to Ayurveda. In Ayurveda, you eat the opposite of whatever you are trying to balance!

I love lentil dal recipes like this vegan lentil dal makhani because it is gluten free, easy to make, and a one-pot meal with lots of flavor! I enjoyed this meal many times while in Nepal and India, and I hope you enjoy this vegan version!

Recipes like this can help if you want to:

  • Reduce growths and cysts
  • Help with weight loss and reduce water retention and edema
  • Reduce inflammation, burning, and swelling
  • Reduce anger, lethargy, and depressive emotions
  • Clear mucus in the stool
  • Get energized and clear body toxins
  • Clear red, oily skin
  • Reduce heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Improve digestion in Pitta types and Kapha types

Ayurvedic Healing Ingredients

Some of the Ayurvedic energetics of the ingredients in this Vegan Lentil Dal Makhani recipe include:

Lentils

Lentils are legumes high in Air energy. They are great for Kapha recipes and Pitta recipes, but Vata types can enjoy them in small amounts as well, especially when cooked with digestive spices. They are great for diabetics and for weight loss. Lentils help reduce acne and reduce inflammation. They are excellent for improving energy and reducing lethargy, anger, and even judgment of self and others. They dissolve body mucus and congestion, as well.

Soy Milk

Made from soaking, cooking, blending, and straining soy beans, homemade soy milk is a high Air energy milk that is great to use in Kapha recipes, and in smaller amounts in Pitta recipes and Vata recipes. It helps to reduce weight through its high Air energy and is an excellent substitute for dairy in Ayurvedic recipes.

Red Bell Pepper

A slightly astringent/sweet vegetable with high “Air” energetics, making it pacifying for both Pitta and Kapha, targeting especially the blood and fat tissue. A great choice eaten cooked or raw in Kapha recipes and Pitta recipes.