Did you know? Masaba Gupta loves homemade chyawanprash — here’s how to make it at home

Masaba Gupta’s Instagram story (Source: Instagram/Masaba Gupta)

Fashion designer Masaba Gupta took to her Instagram story to thank her friend for sharing homemade chyawanprash. But how can you make this winter staple at home? Indianexpress.com got an easy recipe from celebrity chef Ananya Banerjee.

Ingredients:

Amla (Indian Gooseberry) – 500g (fresh or dried)
Jaggery or honey – 300g (natural sweetener)
Ghee – 100g
Sesame oil – 1 tablespoon
Spices:
Cardamom powder – 1 teaspoon
Cinnamon powder – 1 teaspoon
Clove powder – ½ teaspoon
Nutmeg powder – ½ teaspoon
Herbs (optional but beneficial):
Ashwagandha powder – 1 teaspoon
Shatavari powder – 1 teaspoon
Guduchi powder – 1 teaspoon
Dried fruits (optional):
Raisins, dates, or figs – 50g (chopped)
Honey – Optional for extra sweetness (add only when the mixture cools to prevent losing nutrients)

Method:

• If using fresh amla, steam or boil them until soft. Remove seeds and mash into a pulp.
  If using dried amla, soak them overnight and blend into a paste.
• Heat a heavy-bottomed pan with ghee and sesame oil. Add the amla pulp and sauté for 10–15 minutes until the mixture reduces and thickens.
• Gradually add jaggery or honey and cook on low heat until it melts and blends well with the amla mixture.
• Add the powdered spices and herbs, mixing thoroughly. If using dried fruits, stir them in at this stage.
• Continue to cook on low heat until the mixture thickens further and begins to leave the sides of the pan. Stir constantly to avoid burning.
• Let the Chyawanprash cool completely before transferring it into an airtight jar. Store in a cool, dry place. It stays fresh for months if refrigerated.

What are its health benefits?

Lall said that chyawanprash’s formulation is derived from classical Ayurvedic texts such as the Charaka Samhita, Bhavaprakasha, and Rasa Ratna Samuchaya.

“The ingredients, such as amla (for immunity) and ashwagandha (for stress management), and ghee and spices (to enhance digestive fire/agni and promote better nutrient absorption) are precisely chosen for their rejuvenating and balancing properties,” she explained.

What is the ideal amount to have in a day?

Lall said that chyawanprash is best taken daily in moderate amounts. For adults, 1 tablespoon (15-20g) in the morning and for children, 1 teaspoon (5-10g) once or twice a day should suffice. If you have excess kapha, she suggested reducing the dosage or diluting with warm water.