BREAKFAST SPICED APPLES

This is a classic Ayurvedic breakfast recipe from Jasmine Helmsley. Fruit is much more easily digested when it is cooked, especially in colder weather and best eaten first thing in the morning. Starting the day with stewed apple builds an appetite for lunch, stimulates regular bowel movements, increases vitality and alertness and provides a light but satisfying breakfast – perfect for easing you into the day rather than shocking the system which has been resting, by tucking into a heavy meal.

As well as enjoying this cleansing dish as is, you can also use this recipe to enhance other dishes — enjoy as a topping to various porridges or use as the base for a crumble.

Serves 1

INGREDIENTS

• 1 fresh apple, peeled and cored

• 5 whole cloves

• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1/4 cup water (or more)

• 1 star anise (optional)


METHOD

• Cut the apples in the wedges, and in half again if you like for a quicker cook.

• Add the apples, water, cinnamon, cloves and star anise, if using, to a small pot. Cover and simmer for 5 mins or until tender taking care not to let it dry out – add a splash of water if necessary.

• Serve and enjoy the simplicity and don’t forget to sip the delicious liquid if there is anything left – apple spiced tea!