Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

SERVES 4-6

An Ayurvedic chocolate? Generally, chocolate in most forms that we see generally available at the grocery store (chocolate bars) are not suggested because they can be difficult to digest and vitiate all doshas due to processing and lots of added sugar.

However, I believe that this simple ingredient chocolate is ok to enjoy as a fun treat on occasion. The caveat is if you need to avoid sugar or are experiencing difficulty with digestion.

Let’s examine the qualities of the ingredients in this homemade chocolate.

Raw cacao qualities are bitter, have a pungent after taste, are light and drying and have a hot potency. The raw cacao stimulates the mind (we call this rajasic) and can be difficult to digest. [1] The raw cacao is good medicine for kapha dosha. However, there is usually of sugar added because the cacao is bitter which is not so good for kapha.

My intention is this recipe is to find a balance for all the doshas, and recommendations below to adjust for the season and/or your constitution.

DOSHAS

Vata - Good for vata. Can add more ghee and maple syrup.

Pitta - Good for pitta.

Kapha - Can reduce the maple syrup.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/3 cup cacao

• 3/4 cup maple syrup

• 1/4 c water

• 1 tbsp ghee

• 1 pack of organic strawberries

DIRECTIONS

1. Add everything to a small saucepan and bring to a boil on medium heat. Once boiling, turn down to low heat and let it thicken for about 10 minutes stirring regularly. It does take some time for the chocolate to thicken. Continue to stir to ensure it does not burn.

2. While the chocolate is simmering, wash strawberries and let sit to dry. I like to keep the stems on but lift them up preparing them to dip into the chocolate.

3. Once you feel the chocolate is done, turn off and let the chocolate sit for a few minutes. Prepare a plate or sheet pan with parchment paper.

4. Begin dipping the strawberries. I used the saucepan, tilted it one direction and dipped the strawberries directly into the pan. Complete this process one-by-one. Let them set-up for at least 10 minutes and then enjoy. :)