Ayurvedic Recipe for Strength & Vitality: Ojas Balls

Ayurveda teaches that when we properly digest wholesome foods, the end result is that ojas is created.  According to Dr. Marc Halpern, “ojas is the stabilizing force of the body and mind. It allows the body and mind to resist stress. It protects the body against faulty impressions taken in through the five senses.” You can think of ojas as the raincoat which protects us from the harsh weather of life. The more healthy ojas we have, the more we’ll be able to withstand disease, have mental stability, and handle life’s stress.

 

Some foods have more ojas building potential than others. Below is a delicious recipe for Ojas Balls. Be careful; these are quite tasty, and yet even though they do build ojas, they also can put on weight and must be well digested!

 

Ojas Balls

Ingredients 

5 large         Medjool dates

2-3 Tbs         Almond butter (unsweetened)

3 tsp Ghee (clarified butter)

1 handful         Cashews, almonds, walnuts, pecans or roasted sunflower seeds (choose one)

1 tsp Cinnamon

¼ tsp Nutmeg

¼ tsp Cardamom powder

1 tsp Vanilla extract

¼ tsp Almond extract

¼ cup         Granola (low sugar variety with minimal ingredients)

 

Preparation

 

In food processor, blender or magic bullet, grind the granola, spices, extracts, and nuts. Grind until granola is almost like flour and nuts are chunky. Chop dates by hand into small pieces. Add the almond butter and ghee along with the granola mixture. Using your hands, combine all ingredients as if you were kneading cookie dough. Note: If mixture is too dry, use more ghee. If it is too wet use more ground up granola. This is an intuitive and creative process. Once combined, roll mixture into individual balls. Put into a glass container or jar and chill for a minimum of 1 hr. Remove from the refrigerator when ready to serve, letting them come to room temp.

 

To help ensure that you digest them well, serve with a nice warm cup of digestive tea such as ginger, cinnamon, fennel or mint. Enjoy!

 

By Dr. Marisa Jackson-Kinman, C.A.S., P.K.S., A.Y.T., Faculty at the California College of Ayurveda