Ingredients & Ayurvedic Properties
| Ingredient | Weight | Ayurvedic Profile |
|---|---|---|
 Amaranth grain, rinsed in a fine sieve | 110 g | Sweet, Astringent · Neutral |
 Chayote, peeled and finely diced | 190 g | Sweet, Astringent · Cooling |
 Fennel seeds, ground fresh | 3 g | Sweet, Pungent, Bitter · Cooling |
 Ghee, for finishing | 10 g | Sweet · Cooling |
 Rock salt, finely ground | 3 g | Salty · Cooling |
| Water, freshly boiled | 1450 g | Whole culinary ingredient |
Step-by-Step Preparation
- For Amaranth Chayote Peya, heat 1450 ml (about 6 cups) water until vigorously boiling, then lower it to a bare simmer beside the main pot for measured additions.
- Cook the amaranth until its tiny grains thicken the water. Maintain medium-low heat for 18–20 minutes, stirring every 4 minutes, until a grain pressed between two fingers has no chalky center.
- Add the chayote and simmer until the dice become glassy. Maintain gentle medium heat for 19–21 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until a thin knife slides through the largest piece without resistance.
- Season with fennel and ghee and keep the peya fluid. Leave the pan off the flame for 6 minutes, then taste and correct the final balance before serving at the stated temperature.
- Rest Amaranth Chayote Peya 5 minutes covered off the burner; check the final consistency and serve it warm without prolonged holding.
Dosha Modifications & Seasonal Guidance
Vaidya Culinary Note (original lacto-vegetarian recipe developed for the R3 regional and practical cooking collection)
Amaranth Chayote Peya is deliberately soft, mild, and fluid for a light-meal day Vata: serve warm with the stated ghee and do not let it dry. Pitta: keep the seasoning mild and omit sharp sourness. Kapha: take a smaller bowl and retain the thin consistency.
USDA Nutrition Facts for Amaranth Chayote Peya
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Per Serving (1 serving (441g)) |
|---|---|---|
| Energy (Calories) | 31 kcal | 136 kcal |
| Protein | 1.0 g | 4.2 g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 4.6 g | 20.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.7 g | 2.9 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.3 g | 1.3 g |
| Total Fat | 1.0 g | 4.6 g |
| Calcium | 16.3 mg | 71.9 mg |
| Iron | 0.54 mg | 2.40 mg |
| Magnesium | 18.2 mg | 80.4 mg |
| Phosphorus | 37.5 mg | 165.5 mg |
| Potassium | 48 mg | 212 mg |
| Sodium | 70 mg | 308 mg |
| Zinc | 0.27 mg | 1.21 mg |
| Copper | 0.06 mg | 0.25 mg |
| Manganese | 0.24 mg | 1.06 mg |
| Selenium | 1.2 µg | 5.2 µg |
| Vitamin C | 1.1 mg | 5.0 mg |
| Vitamin A (RAE) | 4.8 µg | 21.1 µg |
| Vitamin E | 0.27 mg | 1.17 mg |
| Vitamin K | 0.5 µg | 2.2 µg |
| Thiamin (Vitamin B1) | 0.01 mg | 0.05 mg |
| Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) | 0.02 mg | 0.07 mg |
| Niacin (Vitamin B3) | 0.12 mg | 0.52 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.05 mg | 0.20 mg |
| Folate (DFE) | 15.1 µg | 66.7 µg |
| Choline | 5.5 mg | 24.1 mg |
