Vegetarian Cuisine
BAKED BUTTERNUT SQUASH –
Butternut squash has a high level of Vit A and is rich in compounds like B Carotene and Lutein which convert to Vit A in the body, are good for eyesight and skin and also high in B vitamins and fibre. They contain minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium. Acorn squash likewise is rich in dietary fibre, high in Vit B family, and is high in Vit C and mineral content. The fibre of these vegetables are good for regulating digestion and elimination.
The apple adds more fibre and a sweetness to the dish. The butternut and acorn squash seeds are a good source of dietary fibre and mono-unsaturated fatty acids, good for the heart. They have a nutty flavour.. Serves 4 – 6.
Ingredients:
1 butternut or 2 acorn squash
4 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
2 cups fresh whole wheat bread crumbs
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 large eating apples, peeled and cut into chunks
Preparation:
- Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Cut squash in half and remove the seeds and stringy bits. Reserve the seeds for roasting.
- Mix the melted butter or margarine with the bread crumbs, spices, and apples and spoon the mixture into the squash halves.
- Place them in a roasting pan, cover with foil, and bake for about 45 min.
- Remove the foil and bake 10 minutes longer to brown the tops.
- Serve hot.
- The butternut and acorn squash seeds can be roasted dry or tossed with some olive oil in the oven on foil and eaten as snacks or sprinkled on top of the prepared dish.
This recipe is an edited contribution for the Sivananda Gurugram partly sourced and edited from The Yoga Cookbook. Vegetarian Food for Body and Mind. Recipes from the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centres. 1999.
An aspirant must have purity of mind, a real thirst for knowledge and perseverance. – Sri Swami Sivananda
Quick Links
Spiritual Calendar
| MAY 2016
03 Ekadasi JUNE 2016 01 Ekadasi. |
Glossary
KEVALA KUMBHAKA – Kevala: ‘only’. Kumbhaka: ‘breath retention’ or ‘cessation’
Kumbhaka is of two kinds – Sahita and Kevala. That which is coupled with inhalation and exhalation is termed Sahita. That which is devoid of these, is called Kevala (alone). When you get mastery in Sahita, then you can attempt this Kevala. When in due course of practice, the Kumbhaka subsists in many places without exhalation and inhalation and unconditioned by place, time and number—then that Kumbhaka is called absolute and pure (Kevala Kumbhaka), the fourth form of ‘Regulation of breath’. Such powers as that of roaming about in space unseen, follow this last form of Pranayama. In Vasishtha Samhita it is said: “When after giving up inhalation and exhalation, one holds his breath with ease, it is absolute Kumbhaka (Kevala).” In this Pranayama the breath is suddenly stopped without Puraka and Rechaka. The student can retain his breath as long as he likes through this Kumbhaka. He attains the state of Raja Yoga. Through Kevala Kumbhaka, the knowledge of Kundalini arises. Kundalini is aroused and the Sushumna is free from all sorts of obstacles. He attains perfection in Hatha Yoga. You can practice this Kumbhaka three times a day. He who knows Pranayama and Kevala is the real Yogi. What can he not accomplish in the three worlds, who has acquired success in this Kevala Kumbhaka? Glory, glory to such exalted souls. This Kumbhaka cures all diseases and promotes longevity.
God is watching all your thoughts and movements. – Sri Swami Sivananda