Rustic Eggplant Soup
Rustic Ayurvedic Eggplant Soup with Cumin and Dill | Vata-Balancing Recipe
Looking for a hearty, soul-warming soup that feels like a hug in a bowl?
Meet our Rustic Eggplant Soup, a cozy, flavorful dish inspired by Ayurvedic wisdom and perfect for the cooler months.
This recipe combines grounding eggplant with earthy cumin, bright dill, and a touch of smoked paprika for depth. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to support digestion and balance Vata dosha, so it’s not just comforting—it’s deeply nourishing too.
Perfect for a chilly evening, this soup is both filling and light, blending the warmth of Ayurvedic spices with a modern twist.
Let’s dive into the magic of these ingredients and savor a bowl that’s good for the body and soul!
Why this recipe is good for us:
Here’s a breakdown of a few of the ingredients from the Rustic Eggplant Soup and their benefits from an Ayurvedic perspective:
- Eggplant (Vatingan)
Dosha Effects: Primarily balances Vata and kapha but can aggravate Pitta..
Rasa (Taste): sweet, which makes it excellent for grounding Vata.
Guna (Qualities): Light, slightly oily, and sharp, aiding digestion and bringing warmth to the body.
Health Benefits: Eggplant is beneficial for promoting digestive fire (Agni) without being too heating, especially in the cooler months. It provides grounding and helps to eliminate excess Vata, making it great for fall and winter recipes where we want nourishment that’s not overly stimulating.
- Cumin Seeds (Jeeraka or Jiraka)
Dosha Effects: Balances all three doshas, particularly effective for Kapha and Vata.
Rasa: Pungent and slightly bitter, promoting digestion and detoxification.
Guna: Light, dry, and penetrating, which supports the digestive system by improving Agni and reducing Ama (toxins).
Health Benefits: Cumin aids in reducing bloating and digestive discomfort, especially beneficial when cooking meats and proteins. It also enhances the absorption of nutrients, making it ideal for soups where complex flavors and rich ingredients are combined.
- Dill (Shatapushpa)
Dosha Effects: Primarily balances Vata and Kapha but should be used moderately for Pitta.
Rasa: Pungent and slightly bitter, which stimulates digestion and reduces mucus.
Guna: Light, dry, and heating, which helps in clearing congestion and supporting respiratory health.
Health Benefits: Dill is excellent for improving digestion and reducing gas, as it gently stimulates digestive fire without being overly heating. It also provides antimicrobial properties, which is ideal for soups intended to be warming and grounding, especially during cold and flu season.
Each of these ingredients brings unique Ayurvedic qualities to the dish, balancing the grounding aspects of the meat and broth with light, digestive support, making the soup nourishing and easy to digest
Rustic Eggplant Soup
Serves 6-8
Ingredients:
3 tbsp ghee or olive oil
1 tsp black cumin seeds (roughly ground)
½ tsp regular cumin seeds (roughly ground)
½ tsp ground black pepper
1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
1 medium sweet onion, chopped
½ tsp salt (to taste)
2-4 cloves garlic, smashed
1 lb ground beef or turkey
2 medium eggplants, peeled and cut into ½ inch cubes
1 red bell pepper, cut into ½ inch dice
1 (15 oz) can fire-roasted crushed or diced tomatoes
4 cups beef broth (if using beef) or chicken broth (if using turkey)
1 bunch fresh dill, chopped finely
½ cup nutritional yeast (optional)
Instructions:
Heat the oil or ghee in a 6-quart heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the smoked paprika and black pepper, stirring well.
Add the onions and salt, cooking until translucent (about 2-3 minutes).
Add the garlic and ground meat, breaking up clumps. Sauté for 4-5 minutes.
Stir in the eggplant and cover, cooking until softened (7-10 minutes).
Add the red bell pepper and tomatoes, stir, then pour in the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Add chopped dill and nutritional yeast (if using) and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Taste for seasoning.
Serve this nourishing soup over rice, pasta, or simply with a good loaf of crusty sourdough.
