Five Ways to Incorporate Turmeric, the Golden Healer.

Paleo mama Leslie B is back again, this time with five great ways to incorporate turmeric, the golden spice, into your meals.  Get ready to get golden!

Are you looking for creative ways to throw in fun, healthy additions to your version of Paleo?  

I know, I know, sometimes these experiments take a turn for the worse.  My spirulina muffins were comparable to dark green hockey pucks and went straight to the compost bin.  Still, we do have huge successes, right? 

Turmeric hot chocolate was a recent such triumph for me.  Now that my kids are used to the distinctive  flavor, I have begun to add turmeric into all kinds of foods and beverages. 

Turmeric is believed to be one of the most effective nutritional supplements.  Turmeric contains powerful antioxidants that can aid in neutralizing free radicals and serve as an anti-aging supplement. From lowering your risk of disease to boosting brain function, there is much to appreciate about this spice. 

Turmeric has a beautiful golden hue.  Research indicates that Turmeric is anti-inflammatory, can improve digestion, may lessen the side effects of chemotherapy and even serve as a natural antibiotic.  Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is metabolized quickly, so turmeric is most effective when consumed with fat and a little black pepper. 

Here are five easy ways to add more turmeric to your diet.  We'll start with turmeric "Golden" paste.  This will make your life much easier, trust me. 

Turmeric “Golden” Paste

• ¼ cup turmeric
• ½ cup water
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

Combine the above ingredients and warm over low heat until a paste is formed.  Refrigerate for up to two weeks. 

Once you have your turmeric paste you should feel free to be as creative as you wish.  Turmeric has a lovely floral scent and gives a very distinctive flavor to foods.  Be forewarned, turmeric does stain so don’t wear white when you are experimenting in the kitchen.  Take it from someone who has ruined at least two shirts in the last few weeks; wear an apron when using turmeric.  

Turmeric Milk or Hot Cocoa

Turmeric hot cocoa is mom and kid approved.  Sometimes I even use coconut milk from a can to make it extra rich.  Remember that the fat from the coconut helps boost the health benefits of the turmeric, so feel good about serving this indulgent drink to your whole family. 

• 2 cups nut milk of your choice
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon turmeric paste
• 1 tablespoon raw cacao (optional for hot cocoa.)

Warm two cups of non-dairy milk with two teaspoons of honey and one teaspoon of vanilla.  Melt one tablespoon of coconut oil and gently stir in one tablespoon of turmeric paste.  Add the coconut and turmeric paste mixture to the warm milk.  Pour into two mugs and top with a little cracked black pepper.  If you want to make this into hot cocoa, just add a tablespoon of raw cacao when you warm the milk. 

Want this hot chocolate recipe as a 1 page download?  Get it here, free!  

Turmeric Tea

Turmeric tea is the perfect way to end the day.  Make a cup, login to Netflix, choose a holiday movie and relax. 

• 1 tablespoon turmeric paste
• 1 cup boiling water
• Honey and fresh lemon juice to taste

Add one tablespoon of turmeric paste to boiling water.  Next, add honey to taste and a squeeze of lemon. There are also some great brands of already made turmeric tea on the market.  Numi makes an excellent option if you are feeling lazy.  

Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower

Roasted cauliflower is a popular side dish in our house.  The caramelized florets are so sweet, crunchy and delicious that we never have any leftovers.  Add a little something special with turmeric paste and make a fool-proof vegetable recipe even more delicious. 

• 3-4 cups cauliflower florets
• 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons turmeric paste
• Salt and pepper to taste. 

Preheat your oven to 450 degrees.  Cut up cauliflower into bite size florets.  Toss with melted coconut oil and two tablespoons of turmeric paste. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper.  Spread the florets on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 minutes or until browned.   

Turmeric Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Instead of serving up the same old mashed potatoes this holiday season, try something new.  These potatoes are amazing and are much better for you than the butter and marshmallow laden side dish that normally shows up around the holidays. 

• 3 large sweet potatoes
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons turmeric paste
• Salt to taste

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.  Roast three large sweet potatoes in the oven until tender, about 1 to 1 ½ hours.  Allow the sweet potatoes to cool and then scoop the flesh into a stand mixer.  Add one tablespoon of coconut oil and two tablespoons of turmeric paste.  Gently mix until combined.  Salt to taste and serve.  

Want this recipe as a 1 page PDF you can easily print?  Check out our eBook, On Being Paleo, which includes 30+ recipes (including this one) along with an easy Intro to Paleo and a guide through the 7 Pillars of Paleo.

 

• A long list of tested Paleo recipes
• Will Your Kids Eat Paleo?
• Eating Out Paleo

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