Early Summer Recipes
Jun 01, 2025
I just returned from a lovely week teaching yoga at Penland School of Craft in the mountains of NC. Although the weather was rainy and cold for much of the session, it has always felt like a homecoming to return to the place of my birth and support amazing people in their creative processes with body and breath awareness (and some Ayurvedic tips thrown in here and there too).
Last weekend, before I went to Penland, I got to gather with my family for my nephew's high school graduation, and an ensuing extended family reunion. I was in charge of a Saturday dinner and got many compliments on two dishes that I made that are wonderful for early summertime... which leads me to want to share them with you!
These can be main dishes or served as sides. They are also really good together. (note: for those who distain cilantro, you may want to replace the cilantro with parsley).
Beets with Walnuts and Cashew Cheese (from my friend Usha Carmen)
4 - 5 medium beets chopped into small cubes, and chopped beet greens
1 large bunch of cilantro
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup crumbled cashew cheese (I like Miyoko's cashew cheeses) or goat cheese
1 t. cumin powder
salt and pepper to taste
Steam chopped beets and beet greens until tender.
Dry roast the walnuts in a cast iron skillet until browned.
Combine all ingredients and serve warm.
Beets and cilantro are cleansing to the liver and nourishing to the blood. Combined with walnuts and soft cheese they create a very nourishing dish that has sweet, bitter, and astringent tastes that balance Pitta.
Quinoa with Cilantro, Mint, and Red Onion (from Joyful Belly)
1 bunch cilantro
1/3c. olive oil
1 T. mint
1/4 c. finely chopped red onion
2 whole limes
1 t. salt
1 c. quinoa
1/4 t. black pepper
Rinse quinoa and then boil it in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes or until soft. Do not over stir or overcook to avoid it turning mushy.
Finely chop cilantro, mint, and onion.
Gently mix all the ingredients together.
Serve warm and enjoy.
Quinoa is a protein rich seed and a nice, lighter replacement for heavier grains, which is helpful for summertime. Combining it with the sour of lime and cleansing qualities of cilantro and mint creates a tasty and nourishing dish.
May we be nourished as we navigate personal, communal, and planetary evolution. May beings everywhere be safe, happy, and well.
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