Meet Turmeric
Meet turmeric, one of my favorite spices. Turmeric belongs to the ginger family, turmeric, botanical name Curcuma Longa, which has been used in India for thousands of years. Today, it is one of the most respected spices in the world. Researchers all over the world continue to uncover its health benefits, including its ability to fight infections, reduce inflammation, and treat digestive problems.
Different ways to use turmeric
I can imagine that you are clueless when it comes to cooking with this power ingredient. There are many ways you can eat and drink this amazing spice. The possibilities are endless and it’s only limited to your own creativity. If you are intrigued by all the studies on its health-promoting character I can show you how you can start incorporating turmeric in your diet.
The following ways are simple yet effective. Start getting to know turmeric and get used to its one of a kind taste and healing power. Turmeric comes in powder form or if you can get your hands on the real deal, find them in their natural shape at your local Asian supermarket or farmers market.
7 Ways to use Turmeric
- Turmeric tea or Jamu in Indonesian: bring 1 cup of water to a boil and then stir in 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric or freshly grated turmeric. Let the mix simmer for 10 minutes. Add in ginger, fresh lemon juice, and Manuka honey to your taste.
- Roasted veggies: this is so yummy, think of sweet potatoes, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, pumpkin, and broccoli. Simply toss fresh vegetables with some good quality virgin olive oil or coconut oil and ground turmeric and roast the veggies for 45 minutes. Toss them around every now and then.
- Golden milk: an Ayurvedic recipe, golden milk can be made with a base of coconut or almond milk. The result will be either way creamy and nourishing. Find the ultimate turmeric latte recipe here.
- Turmeric blend: the pungent flavor of turmeric is delicious in smoothies and juices. Cut the turmeric root in slices and add to coconut waters or green juices. When using ground turmeric you will also get the beautiful golden color in your juice.
- Curry powder: When cooking with turmeric, add some black pepper for easy absorption of the body. Make a curry powder from scratch by mixing 4 tbsp ground coriander, 2 tbsp ground cumin and 1/2 tbsp of turmeric, 1/2 tbsp cayenne, and lastly 1/2 tbsp of smoked paprika powder. Use them in soups, stews, dal, stir-fries, place the mixture in a closed jar and store in your pantry.
- Power soups: soups are easy to whip up. Use any kind of broth, add a dash of turmeric powder to enhance the color of the broth, and help you fight an upcoming cold or cough.
- Salad dressing: whisk together 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, 2 tsp tahini, 2 tsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup and lemon juice to taste. This dressing is zesty, fresh, and is a real difference-maker.
