Rare ingredient story
- Pipli (long pepper): Rare climbing pepper that warms gently.
- Sourcing: Cultivated in small Kumaoni orchards on bamboo stakes.
- Preservation: Sun-dried whole, ground only before use.
The sacred method
- Vessel: Iron mortar
- Fire: Chir pine logs
- Timing cue: Pound 108 strokes
- Spice paste should glisten.
- Aroma should clear sinuses instantly.
Ayurvedic & seasonal wisdom
- Dosha focus: Warms vata, melts kapha
- Benefits: Improves circulation, prevents winter lethargy, supports lungs.
- Consumption notes: Stir 1 tsp paste into hot milk or jaggery water nightly till Magh month ends.
Sojal's revival notes
- Hearth circles:Community kits help urban neighbours gather for solstice spice ceremonies.
- Joint journal:Users log relief stories, feeding climate-research partners.
Ingredients
- 10 pipli pods
- 2 tbsp dry ginger
- 1 tbsp ajwain
- 1 tbsp sesame
- 1/2 cup jaggery
- 2 tbsp ghee
Method
- Dry roast spices until fragrant.
- Pound with sesame into coarse powder.
- Melt jaggery with ghee, add spice powder, cook till paste-like.
- Store in earthen jar; stir 1 tsp into hot milk nightly.
Preservation actions
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