Energising Ojas Smoothie

Swap that raw, cold smoothie for something warming and rejuvenating to balance the cool weather, and which nourishes our ‘Ojas’ at the same time. for the winter or anytime you’re feeling depleted.

What are Ojas?

Ojas can be thought of as our immunity that keeps us healthy and robust. In Ayurveda, there are several foods that are especially good for producing happy Ojas. The top of the list includes: milk, ghee, almonds (skins removed), dates, raisins, basmati rice, and saffron.

NB: Preparation - soak dates and almonds overnight

Ingredients: these amounts can be halved for a smaller amount

6 Medjool dates (other dried dates are ok too)

20 Almonds

1 cup Filtered water for soaking dates

1 cup Filtered water for soaking almonds

Generous pinches (¼ tsp) of cardamom, cinnamon, ginger and/or nutmeg (optional)

2 cups Milk, whole & non-homogenised (can substitute almond or coconut milk, or water)

½–1 cup Hot water

Directions:

1. In separate bowls or cups, cover the dates and almonds with water and soak overnight. 

2. In the morning, drain the almonds and peel them by pinching them and popping the nut out of the skin (if the skins do not come off easily, try submerging the soaked almonds in very hot water before you peel them). 

3. Bring the milk to a boil. 

4. While the milk is heating, place the peeled almonds, the soaked dates and the soaking water from the dates in a blender. 

5. When the milk froths up, add it to the blender and add hot water until the total volume is about 2½–3 cups. Blend for 2–3 minutes or until smooth and frothy. 

6. Drink warm.

You can vary the thickness of the shake by adjusting the amount of hot water you add or by changing the amount of dates or almonds you start with and adjusting other amounts accordingly. Feel free to play with this recipe and make it your own.