Welcome to The Lotus Kitchen, the title of my upcoming book with co-author Gwen Keannelly and a place where yoga and vegetarian cooking entwine. This week’s recipe is Quinoa Tabouli.
The Lotus Kitchen-Quinoa Tabouli
- 2 cups quinoa, cooked
- 1 cup chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup chopped scallions
- 2 tablespoons mint
- 2 tablespoons basil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup olives, sliced
Place all ingredients in a mixing bowl and toss together lightly. Chill for 1 hour or more to allow flavors to blend. Garnish with olives Serves 4
The Practice:
Traditionally tabouli, also spelled tabbouleh, is an Arab salad filled with Mediterranean delight. When exploring the connection of tabouli and yoga, we are reminded of what yoga is all about – the practice of seeing the Oneness of two things that appear to be separate. When connecting India and The Middle East, what better way than to do it with food and yoga. It takes a practice to experience the Oneness Consciousness. We must begin to see what cultures have in common instead of what separates us.
Thread the Needle Pose (Parsva Balasana) Instruction:
If you have stiffness and pain, this pose can provide relief by stretching and opening the shoulders, chest, arms, upper back and neck. It releases the tension that is commonly held in the upper back between the shoulder blades. This pose also provides a mild twist to the spine, which further reduces tension. Begin on all fours (table pose), with hands shoulder width apart. Turn the right palm upwards and thread the right hand underneath the left arm. Bring the right shoulder and the right side of the face toward the floor. Rest on the right cheek for three long breaths. Bring the left arm up off the floor and send it straight up towards the ceiling, releasing the left shoulder. Bend the left elbow and see if you can reach around to hold your waist or the right thigh. Stay here for six to twelve breaths. To get out of the pose plant your left hand firmly on the ground and use the weight of it and return to table pose. Repeat on the other side.