Spicing Things Up With Turmeric

Spicing Things Up With TURMERIC

By Senior Dietetics Students: Laurie Kimball and Amy Spielmaker 

Turmeric is one of the four spices found in this week’s Moroccan Lentil soup.

It comes from the roots of the Curcuma Longa plant, native to Southeast Asia. It has been used for centuries for medicinal purposes, as well as for dying skin and fabric.

Turmeric is believed to have several different health benefits, from treating irritable bowel syndrome and inflammation, to strengthening skin and hair.

Turmeric has a warm peppery and bitter taste, and is most commonly used in cooking to enhance flavor and color. It is the star spice in curry, and is what gives mustard its rich yellow color.

Have you tried cooking with Turmeric? Below are some simple ways to spice up your meals turmeric.

 STIR-FRY IT

Add a heaping tablespoon of turmeric along with some chili pepper, ginger, and cumin to your sautéed vegetables and meat.

SLOW-COOK IT

Toss a variety of diced vegetables (try sweet potatoes, carrots, garlic, and onions), a can of diced tomatoes and a can of drained beans (like garbanzo or Great Northern beans) into a slow cooker. Add turmeric and other spices (try cinnamon, cumin, pepper, parsley and salt) and cook on high for 3-4 hours. Top with sliced green onion.

            CURRY IT

A traditional Indian curry involves spices turmeric, chili powder, cumin, coriander, paprika, and garam masala. Other ingredients include chicken, yogurt, and potatoes.  I suggest using google to find a simple Indian curry recipe to try out! 

DRINK IT

Add ½ teaspoon turmeric to a mango, banana, and coconut smoothie! Or make turmeric tea by simmering a teaspoon of turmeric in water for 10 minutes. Drain tea through a fine sieve and add honey and lemon. 

Today at soup distribution we added a delicious Indian Lassi drink to our Moroccan Lentil Soup to “Make It A Meal.” Find the Lassi recipe here (http://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/mango-lassi-recipe) and stay tuned to see our “Make It A Meal” for next week’s soup!