College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

 

AYURVEDIC RECIPES

Curried Plantains Quesadilla


5.00 out of 5 stars 3 ratings, 749 likes

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5.00 out of 5 stars
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"Delicious, and I will make it again. The recipe calls for masa, then says to just use tortillas. Maybe you could..."
- Sara Lynne Moser The Woodlands, TX

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How to Make Curried Plantains Quesadilla

INGREDIENTS

16 g
2 tbsp
2 whole
2 c
1 inch
1 c
1/2 tsp
1/3 lbs
1/4 tsp
1/4 tsp
1 pinch

PREPARATION OF THIS HEALTHY RECIPE

Notes: Use pre-made burrito / tortilla wrap for shorter preparation time.

1. Ensure plantains are ripe for a sweeter effect, or unripe for less sweet and more savory effect. Peel, then chop into bite sized chunks. Make a paste of the spices by mixing spices with a few drops of water.

2. Heat ghee and fry plantain on medium heat until golden brown. Add a little dab of ghee at end, add spices, and fry for a few seconds only. Then mix spices with the plantain.

3. Remove the plantain and wilt spinach leaves in the same pan.

4. Blend juice of lime, cilantro and fresh ginger into a light sauce.

5. Take a tortilla wrap and place it in a clean, non stick frying pan.

6. Over one half, spread a layer of curried plantain, wilted spinach and a drizzle of the lime sauce. Mash the plantains slightly.

7. Fold the tortilla in half and heat on medium for 1-2 minutes on each side until lightly golden and crispy. Cut into wedges.

How Does This Ayurvedic Recipe Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

This recipe will open you up to a new perspective on the culinary possibilities of plantain. This versatile member of the banana family is often used in place of potatoes due to its starch content and relatively neutral flavor. Not as sweet or soft as the bananas we are accustomed to, plantains can be easily incorporated in savory dishes. They will add substance and fuel to your meal, leaving you feeling satisfied and energized. For best results, cook plantains (they can be too firm and taste quite bitter when eaten raw) and ensure they are ripe. They can feel cold and dry in the gut due to their astringent nature, but once they absorb the oily qualities of ghee and warmth of spices in the recipe they become easier to digest and satisfying. Add a fresh ginger, cilantro and lime sauce to lighten and freshen the meal.

AYURVEDA'S GUIDE TO VITALITY & WHOLESOME NOURISHMENT

Your Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body and your specific imbalances. With an Ayurvedic diet you feel joy and satisfaction because what you are eating truly nourishes and balances you. Disease results from diets and lifestyles that are incompatible with your nature. By eating a personalized diet matched to your body, you experience optimal health. See How it Works.

Is Curried Plantains Quesadilla Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Curried Plantains Quesadilla' is a good fit. Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes at your own leisure to learn more about your body.

Metabolic Nature of Curried Plantains Quesadilla

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.

METABOLIC NATURE

Metabolic Nature

Ayurveda assesses metabolic imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating them weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which biocharacteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct metabolic imbalances before you get sick. Every biocharacteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite biocharacteristic.

Find Out More

DRY

ABOUT DRY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Dry is identified by lack of moisture, lack of fat, or anything that causes diuresis.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DRY

LIGHT

ABOUT LIGHT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Lightness is identified by reduced weight.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIGHT

LIQUEFIED

ABOUT LIQUEFIED BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIQUEFIED

EASY

ABOUT EASY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly.

LEARN MORE ABOUT EASY

CLEAR

ABOUT CLEAR BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CLEAR

MOBILE

ABOUT MOBILE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MOBILE

TASTES

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

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SOUR

ABOUT SOUR BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Sour refers to anything fermented or acidic.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SOUR

PUNGENT

ABOUT PUNGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Pungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PUNGENT

BITTER

ABOUT BITTER BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes and is laxative, and drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BITTER

DOSHAS

The Three Doshas / Body Types

Ayurveda is a metabolic theory of medicine that explains individual health, tendencies, and disease patterns through the concept of doshas, which can be understood as your metabolic patterns and tendencies.

Each dosha reflects a distinct metabolic nature and describes strengths & weaknesses in bodily function, and how these affect energy levels, digestion, susceptibility to disease, and many other tendencies.

Your metabolic nature not only affects your physical characteristics, but also influences your mental thought patterns, confidence, and enthusiasm.

Ayurveda balances these metabolic strengths & weaknesses to support your body's vitality and prevent recurrent disease cycles. This support is a critical aid, especially in chronic or incurable disease conditions.

The 3 metabolic body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).

Through dosha, Ayurveda empowers people to identify metabolic imbalances early, break repetitive patterns of disease, and cultivate habits that support long-term vitality and well-being.

Ultimately, these metabolic patterns also provide a framework for understanding yourself, including body, mind, and spiritual tendencies.

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PACIFIES
Kapha pacifying Pitta pacifying Vata pacifying

GREEK MEDICINE / TEMPERAMENTS

The Four Temperaments / Humors

Ayurveda & Greek Medicine were the dominant form of medicine along the Silk Road from England to China and South Asia. They work by assessing your metabolic type, patterns, and nature. Greek medicine recognizes 4 metabolic temperaments, Melancholic, Choleric, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic.

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PACIFIES
PHLEGMATIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Wet & cold. When out of balance becomes congested, stagnant, and overweight. Loving, trusting, and patient.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PHLEGMATIC

SANGUINE

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot & moist. Full-blooded, vigorous. Vivacious, social, and epicurean. Bullish.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SANGUINE

AGGRAVATES
CHOLERIC

ABOUT CHOLERIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Has a hot and dry metabolic nature. Enthusiastic, vibrant and bright. In excess burns up fluids and ojas, irritable. Corresponds to high bilirubin in the blood that irritates and heats up the body and liver.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHOLERIC

MELANCHOLIC

ABOUT MELANCHOLIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold and dry with a slow, variable or erratic metabolism. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant. Analytical, intelligent, detail oriented and creative. Prone to ojas depletion, dehydration, an overactive nervous system, and depression.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELANCHOLIC

Other

Aromatic

AROMATIC

Herbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.

SEE ALL 'AROMATIC' FOODS / HERBS

, Bland

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Curried Plantains Quesadilla
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

(see all)
Quenches Thirst

QUENCHES-THIRST

An herb or substance that relieves thirst.

SEE ALL 'QUENCHES-THIRST' FOODS / HERBS

,
Appetite Suppressant

APPETITE-SUPPRESSANT

Suppresses hunger without causing weight gain.

SEE ALL 'APPETITE-SUPPRESSANT' FOODS / HERBS

Relieves Burning

RELIEVES-BURNING

Herbs that soothe a burn or reduce an internal burning sensation, such as aloe vera.

SEE ALL 'RELIEVES-BURNING' FOODS / HERBS

Wakes You Up

WAKES-YOU-UP

Invigorates the body and nervous system, increases energy.

SEE ALL 'WAKES-YOU-UP' FOODS / HERBS

,
Nerve Relaxant Grounding

NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING

Encourages feelings of stability and heaviness. Makes you feel settled, mentally relaxed. Mildly sedates the nervous system to ease stress. Can bring a spacey or anxious person back to earth. Reduces agitation, irritation, stress and racing thoughts.

SEE ALL 'NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING' FOODS / HERBS

Refreshing

REFRESHING

Stimulates and wakes up the body, leaving it feeling cool, fresh, and energized.

SEE ALL 'REFRESHING' FOODS / HERBS

,
Stimulates Energy

STIMULATES-ENERGY

This category groups thyroid and adrenal stimulating herbs.

SEE ALL 'STIMULATES-ENERGY' FOODS / HERBS

,
Satisfies Stomach

SATISFIES-STOMACH

Provides a sense of gratification and fullness in the stomach.

SEE ALL 'SATISFIES-STOMACH' FOODS / HERBS

,
Builds Stamina

BUILDS-STAMINA

Promotes strength, endurance and resistance in the body. Rebuilds weak tissues after a time of depletion.

SEE ALL 'BUILDS-STAMINA' FOODS / HERBS

Diaphoretic

DIAPHORETIC

An herb that induces sweating, often by dilating blood vessels close to the skin.

SEE ALL 'DIAPHORETIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Reduces Sweating

REDUCES-SWEATING

Suppresses sweating, often by cooling the metabolism, reducing blood flow to the skin, or closing pores.

SEE ALL 'REDUCES-SWEATING' FOODS / HERBS

Warms Chest

WARMS-CHEST

Warms the chest and lungs, clearing mucus and allowing for clear breathing. Often these herbs are hot, aromatic, and pungent.

SEE ALL 'WARMS-CHEST' FOODS / HERBS

,
Flushes Sinuses

FLUSHES-SINUSES

An herb that relieves sinus congestion by flushing out mucus.

SEE ALL 'FLUSHES-SINUSES' FOODS / HERBS

Cardiac Stimulant

CARDIAC-STIMULANT

Herbs that increase the heart rate. Useful in cardiovascular health, blood stagnation, and subjective feeling of heaviness in the chest area.

SEE ALL 'CARDIAC-STIMULANT' FOODS / HERBS

,
Calms Heart

CALMS-HEART

An herb that literally calms the heart. These herbs are helpful in the treatment of anxiety, sadness, depression, or other emotional imbalances in the heart. Related to the Chinese Herbal Category 'calms spirit.'

SEE ALL 'CALMS-HEART' FOODS / HERBS

,
Vasodilator

VASODILATOR

A vasodilator is an herb that widens the blood vessels by the relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, thereby increasing circulation systemically or to a local area.

SEE ALL 'VASODILATOR' FOODS / HERBS

Diuretic

DIURETIC

Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure.

SEE ALL 'DIURETIC' FOODS / HERBS

Constituents:
Aromatase Inhibitor

AROMATASE-INHIBITOR

Blocks estrogen synthesis by inhibiting conversion of progesterone and testosterone into estrogen.

SEE ALL 'AROMATASE-INHIBITOR' FOODS / HERBS

,
Rutin

RUTIN

Rutin is a flavonoid with anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Commonly used to treat conditions such as varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and high blood pressure.

SEE ALL 'RUTIN' FOODS / HERBS

,
Flavonoids

FLAVONOIDS

Flavonoids are a colorful type of polyphenol. As all polyphenols, they have a strong antioxidant effect. Many flavonoids have an anti-inflammatory, and/or antiallergen effect.

SEE ALL 'FLAVONOIDS' FOODS / HERBS

,
Salicylates

SALICYLATES

Salicylates relieve inflammation, are anti-cancer, and antidiabetic, but some are allergic to it.

SEE ALL 'SALICYLATES' FOODS / HERBS

,
Polyphenols

POLYPHENOLS

Polyphenols are powerful antioxidants seen in many fruits and vegetables. There are more than 8,000 types.

SEE ALL 'POLYPHENOLS' FOODS / HERBS

,
Nitric Oxide

NITRIC-OXIDE

Improves circulation by dilating blood vessels. Protects blood vessels from damage. Improves athletic performance, libido, immunity, and brain health.

SEE ALL 'NITRIC-OXIDE' FOODS / HERBS

, Tannins, Carbohydrate, Potassium, Resistant Starch,
Coumarin

COUMARIN

Moderately toxic, vascular tonic, hypotensive, and anti-inflammatory.

SEE ALL 'COUMARIN' FOODS / HERBS

, Fats, 5a Reductase Inhibitor,
Betaine

BETAINE

Used to reduce homocysteine in the blood, which supports proper liver function and prevents fatigue and blood clots. Improves muscle stamina and weight loss.

SEE ALL 'BETAINE' FOODS / HERBS

, Melatonin, Phosphorous,
Phytates

PHYTATES

Phytates prevent absorption of nutrients. They are commonly found in all seeds, including nuts, grains, and beans. Sprouting greatly reduces phytate content, as well as long, slow cooking with vinegar.

SEE ALL 'PHYTATES' FOODS / HERBS

, Vitamin K, Folate, Vitamin E,
Iron

IRON

Iron is necessary for the transport of oxygen in red blood cells.

SEE ALL 'IRON' FOODS / HERBS

,
Magnesium

MAGNESIUM

Helps muscles relax. Laxative.

SEE ALL 'MAGNESIUM' FOODS / HERBS

,
Saponins

SAPONINS

Can be used to make soap. Saponins stimulate mucus membrane secretion, liquefying mucus for easy removal (expectorant).

SEE ALL 'SAPONINS' FOODS / HERBS

,
Calcium

CALCIUM

Calcium nourishes bones and muscles. A muscle cell is activated when calcium enters the cell. It relaxes when the calcium is secreted.

SEE ALL 'CALCIUM' FOODS / HERBS

, Vitamin A

Foods with a Similar Nature to Curried Plantains Quesadilla

  • Horseradish

    Horseradish has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Vasodilator, Cardiac-stimulant, Flushes-sinuses, Wakes-you-up, Diaphoretic, Refreshing, Warms-chest

    LEARN MORE

  • Wasabi

    Wasabi has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Vasodilator, Cardiac-stimulant, Flushes-sinuses, Wakes-you-up, Diaphoretic, Refreshing, Warms-chest

    LEARN MORE

  • Mustard Powder

    Mustard Powder has these Actions in Common

    Vasodilator, Cardiac-stimulant, Flushes-sinuses, Wakes-you-up, Diaphoretic, Stimulates-energy, Warms-chest, Diuretic

    LEARN MORE

  • Mustard

    Mustard has these Actions in Common

    Cardiac-stimulant, Flushes-sinuses, Wakes-you-up, Diaphoretic, Stimulates-energy, Warms-chest, Diuretic, Vasodilator

    LEARN MORE

  • Mustard Seed

    Mustard Seed has these Actions in Common

    Diaphoretic, Stimulates-energy, Warms-chest, Diuretic, Vasodilator, Cardiac-stimulant, Flushes-sinuses, Wakes-you-up

    LEARN MORE

  • Daikon Radish

    Daikon Radish has these Actions in Common

    Diaphoretic, Refreshing, Diuretic, Stimulates-energy, Cardiac-stimulant, Flushes-sinuses, Warms-chest

    LEARN MORE

  • Ajwain

    Ajwain has these Actions in Common

    Cardiac-stimulant, Stimulates-energy, Diuretic, Vasodilator, Refreshing, Wakes-you-up

    LEARN MORE

  • Jackfruit

    Jackfruit has these Actions in Common

    Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Relieves-burning, Quenches-thirst, Satisfies-stomach, Refreshing, Wakes-you-up

    LEARN MORE

  • Garlic (raw)

    Garlic (raw) has these Actions in Common

    Diaphoretic, Vasodilator, Diuretic, Warms-chest, Cardiac-stimulant, Flushes-sinuses

    LEARN MORE

  • Green Plantain

    Green Plantain has these Actions in Common

    Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Appetite-suppressant, Reduces-sweating, Calms-heart, Satisfies-stomach

    LEARN MORE

  • Honey Dew

    Honey Dew has these Actions in Common

    Appetite-suppressant, Refreshing, Diuretic, Relieves-burning, Quenches-thirst

    LEARN MORE

Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Curried Plantains Quesadilla

  • Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)

    Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) has these Actions in Common

    Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Refreshing, Stimulates-energy, Vasodilator, Warms-chest, Cardiac-stimulant

    LEARN MORE

  • Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru)

    Deodar (Himalayan Cedar, Devadaru) has these Actions in Common

    Wakes-you-up, Warms-chest, Cardiac-stimulant, Diuretic, Refreshing, Stimulates-energy, Vasodilator

    LEARN MORE

  • Regular exercise

    Regular exercise has these Actions in Common

    Builds-stamina, Cardiac-stimulant, Diaphoretic, Refreshing, Stimulates-energy, Wakes-you-up

    LEARN MORE

  • Shilajit Tonic

    Shilajit Tonic has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Refreshing, Stimulates-energy, Wakes-you-up, Builds-stamina, Cardiac-stimulant

    LEARN MORE

  • Hyssop Powder

    Hyssop Powder has these Actions in Common

    Stimulates-energy, Vasodilator, Cardiac-stimulant, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Refreshing

    LEARN MORE

  • Punarnava

    Punarnava has these Actions in Common

    Diuretic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Stimulates-energy, Vasodilator, Builds-stamina, Cardiac-stimulant

    LEARN MORE

  • Sniff raw onions, chopped

    Sniff raw onions, chopped has these Actions in Common

    Diaphoretic, Flushes-sinuses, Refreshing, Vasodilator, Wakes-you-up

    LEARN MORE

  • Nasya Oil

    Nasya Oil has these Actions in Common

    Flushes-sinuses, Refreshing, Stimulates-energy, Vasodilator, Wakes-you-up

    LEARN MORE

  • Eucalyptus Essential Oil

    Eucalyptus Essential Oil has these Actions in Common

    Refreshing, Vasodilator, Wakes-you-up, Warms-chest, Diaphoretic

    LEARN MORE

  • Hot Shower

    Hot Shower has these Actions in Common

    Cardiac-stimulant, Diaphoretic, Flushes-sinuses, Vasodilator, Warms-chest

    LEARN MORE

  • Hot Bath

    Hot Bath has these Actions in Common

    Cardiac-stimulant, Diaphoretic, Flushes-sinuses, Vasodilator, Warms-chest

    LEARN MORE


Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

View Other Healthy Recipes for Autumn-Winter

This recipe is recommended for Autumn-Winter. Check out these other Autumn-Winter recipes here.
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About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's hobbies & specialties include advanced digestive disorders, medieval Catholic philosophy, & botany. He holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University. His wife and family of 7 kids live in Asheville, NC.

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Comments & Impressions of 'Curried Plantains Quesadilla'

Do you like 'curried plantains quesadilla'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something else you'd like to know about 'curried plantains quesadilla'?

(5.00 out of 5 stars) 3 ratings, 749 likes
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Sara Lynne Moser The Woodlands, TX
2017-05-26
“Delicious, and I will make it again. The recipe calls for masa, then says to just use tortillas. Maybe you could include recipe for homemade tortillas? Also, the amount given for spinach is 1 pound, which in my opinion would be way too much. I used a package of 5 oz, and it was the perfect amount to go with 3 cups of cooked plantains."
“Dear Sara, Thanks for your feedback. I have updated the recipe."
Meg Nags head, NC
2017-08-01
“Wow!! This is probably my favorite recipe, I've tried, on your wonderful website! My husband who is a chef agrees, top notch! I used ripe plantains next time I will try green."
Kimberly Kubicke Asbury park, NJ
2017-10-16
“I love this new way of preparing plantains!"
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