Refreshing Herbal Cucumber Gazpacho | Balancing Pitta

As we move toward autumn here in Georgia, the heat doesn’t seem to be letting up just yet. Even as the days grow shorter, the lingering warmth keeps summer alive a bit longer, reminding us to stay cool and refreshed. This Herbal Cucumber Gazpacho is the perfect way to transition between seasons, offering a light, hydrating meal packed with cooling ingredients like cucumber, cilantro, and lemon balm. It’s an ideal transitional dish for those late summer days, helping keep the body balanced and nourished as we slowly shift into the cooler months.

Balancing Pitta During Summer:

According to Ayurveda, summer is governed by the Pitta dosha, which embodies the elements of fire and water, bringing heat, intensity, and transformation. During this season, it's easy for Pitta to become aggravated, leading to symptoms like irritability, overheating, and digestive issues. Ayurveda focuses on healing the body through the power of herbs and food, using nature’s gifts to balance the body's energies. Finding balance for the Pitta dosha involves incorporating cooling, hydrating, and calming foods into your diet. Fresh fruits, raw vegetables, and cooling herbs help soothe internal heat, while hydrating foods help replenish moisture and maintain equilibrium. By emphasizing meals that calm Pitta, we can stay energized and grounded amidst the heat.

INGREDIENT Highlights:

• Cucumber: High in water content, can help calm internal heat and inflammation, making it perfect for balancing Pitta (or Pitta pacification).

• Cilantro: This cooling herb is revered in Ayurveda for its ability to reduce excess heat, detoxify the body, and support digestion.

• Borage: Borage is both cooling and anti-inflammatory, helping to soothe the mind and body. Its calming properties help reduce heat-induced irritability and tension.

• Parsley: Parsley’s natural diuretic effects help cleanse the body of excess heat and fluids, while also providing a refreshing, cooling flavor.

• Basil: Known for its versatility, basil has mild cooling properties that soothe internal inflammation and calm the digestive system.

• Lemon Balm: With its gentle cooling and calming effects, lemon balm reduces heat-induced inflammation and stress, promoting balance for both body and mind during hot months.

Refreshing HerbAL Cucumber Gazpacho

Ingredients

• 2 medium cucumbers

• 1 cup fresh herbs and greens of your choice (e.g., parsley, borage, cilantro, spinach, lamb's quarters, basil, tulsi, mint, dill)

• The juice of four limes (about 1/4 cup)

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked overnight)*

• 1-3 slices Jalapeńo (deseeded)

• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper

• 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander or 5-6 whole coriander pods

Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

Chop the cucumbers into chunks. Slice the Jalapeño. Wash and roughly chop the fresh herbs and greens.

Blend the Gazpacho

Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender.* Blend on high until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If the gazpacho is too thick, you can add a little water to achieve your desired consistency.

Serve and Enjoy!

Pour the blended gazpacho into bowls. Chill for about an hour if desired. Garnish with edible flowers such as borage, cucumber slices, and other seasonal additions like fresh corn and tomatoes, and enjoy!

* If you’re in a pinch, soak the cashews using boiling water for at least an hour instead of overnight. For a dairy version, try adding 3/4 cup ricotta cheese to the recipe instead of the cashews.

* An immersion blender or food processor can work here as well, it just may take longer to become smooth and creamy.