Channa Masala for Anxious Evenings (Medicinal Cooking)

Channa Masala for Anxious Evenings

Mental Health Benefit : Helps Calm Anxiety
Physical Health : Extremely rich in antioxidants & properties to combat insomnia

How does this combat Anxiety?

The key words of this dish are WHOLE SPICE that are a must in Indian cooking and packed with health benefits,...and more importantly in this case, mental health benefits. The SUPERSTARS of this dish are Star Anise, Cardamom Pods, Cumin Seeds, Bay Leaves, and last but not least, tomatoes. I will cover each individual's "superpower's", but the point in medicinal cooking is that when all are combined, the strength of the health properties multiply significantly.

Star Anise - This whole spice contains sedative properties, more on the mild side. This will help you start to settle down during an anxious period, and great before bed.

Cardamom Pods - When used in aromatherapy this spice is believed to be an antidepressant, so when cooked and oil is produced, these properties will carry through to your cooking, and create a positive calming aroma while you eat.

Cumin Seeds - Cumin seeds are used medicinally to treat insomnia

Bay Leaves - These produce oils that help lower the stress hormones in your body. These are my favorite because along with amazing body that it brings to flavor, consuming on a regular basis can help with long term health benefits, but also are great in a cinch if your experiencing an anxiety attack.

Tomatoes - These fruits help lower the tension that can build up in your blood vessels and arteries, reducing hypertension altogether creating a healthy and calm environment in your body.

Ingredients
Rice

• Basmati Rice
  -1 Star Anise Seed
• 2 Cardamom Pods

Channa Masala

• One Medium Size Onion
• Peas
• 2 Potatoes
• 1 Can Chickpeas
• 1 Can Diced Tomatoes
• Cumin Seeds
  -Cinnamon stick
• Bay Leaves
• Cardamom Pods
• Garlic Clove
• Garlic Powder
• Mustard Powder
• Ceylon Cinnamon
• Sea Salt
• Pepper
• Cumin
• Curry Powder
• Tumeric
• Ground Ginger

1. First things first. Rinse your rice. Like...a lot. I try to bathe it up to 3 times and get the water looking as clear as possible, this is going to help it cook properly and be fluffy! After i rinse it, I put 1 Star Anise seed and 2 cardamom pods (that you slightly crush with the side of a chopping knife) into the pot of rice with the appropriate amount of water. Bring to a boil, put a lid on your pot and bring the fire down to a simmer. Leave and do not lift the lid until the rice is done.

1. Lets start the curry! To get the best of your spices you want to slightly toast them first, so put your pot on a medium heat. Once its hot, add some olive oil, followed by all of your whole spices and bay leaves. Only toast for seconds then add your chopped onion. You want to cook your onion until it started browning.

1. Add in your diced tomatoes and let them stew until they make a nice sauce. Add in your chickpeas, spices, and peas. I did not provide measurents of the spices, because I dont measure mine, I like to taste it along the way. Once you get the flavor you like your going to add a significant amount of water and your chopped potatoe. Your going to let it boil and stew until the potatoes are tender enough the smush (Is that a word lol) at the touch of your fork. This will help provide a nice creamy texture and the spices will infuse the potato with tons of flavor!!

1. By now your rice should be done, fluff with a fork and let it sit for a minute or two!

I hope you all love this recipe! Let me know what you think of the taste and any benefits you experience!
Much love, lets make mental health more and more treatible.
Mary