Ginger has become an increasingly popular pantry ingredient as news has spread over the past few years about the massive health benefits that may be gained from adding both cooked and raw ginger into your daily diet. However, folks who are in the know on the ginger craze might not yet be aware of the benefits of its powerful cousin: turmeric. Turmeric and ginger are both “rhizomes” or roots with antioxidant properties, and both come from the same plant family, but unlike ginger only recently has turmeric become more familiar outside of its common use in Indian cuisine. Turmeric has a flavor that is a bit more mild than ginger. Revered by both Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese holistic health practitioners, turmeric is the perfect spice to add some zip to both your kitchen and your body. With a subtle flavor and pleasing yellow hue, turmeric can be paired with ginger or used separately for delicious and nourishing results.
Here are five easy ways to supercharge your diet with turmeric:
- Ginger Turmeric Tonic
Throw a golf ball sized chunk of fresh ginger in the blender and add half a lemon, a teaspoon of turmeric powder, a dash of cayenne pepper, and splash of water. Blend until smooth and strain into a glass for a quick pick-me-up in the morning that can give you an energy boost and help with maintaining healthy digestion.
- Roasted Vegetables With Turmeric
Chop up a tray of your favorite root vegetables, toss the pieces in olive oil, sprinkle salt and pepper, and then add hefty dashes of turmeric, cumin, and smoked paprika. This also works perfectly with large pieces of cauliflower or broccoli (or a mix of both)! Make sure the vegetables are well coated and glistening before popping them into an oven heated to 400 degrees. Serve with a squeeze of lime and a dollop of greek yogurt.
- Turmeric Fruit Smoothie
This kid friendly smoothie will be a bright start to your family’s morning! Add frozen mango and pineapple chunks, orange or carrot juice, turmeric, and a few ice cubes if needed, and blend until smooth. Toss in a handful of chia seeds for extra nutrients.
- Turmeric Tea
Turmeric tea is a great opportunity to experiment with fresh turmeric, which is available at many health stores and natural grocers. Turmeric root is narrow and bright orange and can easily be used for a hot steeped tea. Peel and cut up a root into five circular pieces, add to a mug, and pour boiling water over the roots. Let the roots steep for five minutes and then add honey and a squeeze of lemon. This is a great tea to have after dinner as it warms the stomach, soothes digestion, and can provide a feeling of satiety after a meal.
- Granola With Turmeric
Add a half tablespoon of turmeric to the next batch of your favorite homemade granola. The turmeric can pair especially nicely if you use coconut oil, sesame seeds, and a good pinch of salt in your recipe. If you are short on time you can easily add a light dusting of turmeric to a bowl of packaged granola.
Photo Credit: consciouslifenews.com
If you fall in love with turmeric and want to make it a centerpiece of your meals, be sure to explore the wealth of Indian recipes that feature this lovely root. A tasty and simple way to start adding to your Indian cooking repertoire is by trying a homemade dal, the comforting lentil dish which commonly includes turmeric as a spice. Soon you may find yourself enjoying turmeric at breakfast, lunch, and dinner!
Bio –
Spice Madam made this guest post contribution with the hope to expand your spice knowledge! SM features a spice subscription box delivered to your home each month as well as a spice travel kit for the foodie on the go.
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