Discover the abundance of health benefits contained within this foundational spice. It’s high time to introduce a touch of excitement into your spice collection, reaching for that container of turmeric. This root spice, boasting a cozy and subtly bitter taste, takes center stage in the realm of curry seasoning, serving as the vibrant source of the golden hue found in cheeses, mustards, and butter. However, the merits of turmeric extend far beyond culinary enhancement, as it has demonstrated prowess in alleviating discomfort, aiding digestion, and waging a battle against inflammation.
A study featured in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine unveiled a fascinating discovery: curcumin, the dynamic constituent of turmeric, exhibited pain-relieving properties akin to those of ibuprofen, effectively addressing knee pain. Other scientific inquiries have revealed that incorporating this spice into your diet on a daily basis for a month could potentially mitigate symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome and provide respite for skin afflictions like eczema.
To truly harness the potency of turmeric’s advantages, consider incorporating it into recipes that also include pepper, a complementary spice that fosters the absorption of turmeric into the bloodstream.
Recipe: Tandoori Chicken
Ingredients:
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
- Begin by preheating the grill to achieve a high heat setting.
- In a medium-sized bowl, blend curry powder, red pepper flakes, salt, ground ginger, paprika, cinnamon, and ground turmeric with water, forming a paste-like consistency.
- Apply this paste generously onto the chicken breasts, ensuring an even coating, and place them on a plate. Proceed to cover and allow them to marinate for approximately 20 minutes.
- With an oil-brushed grill grate, ensure it’s ready for cooking.
- Lay the marinated chicken onto the grill. Cook each side for approximately 6 to 8 minutes, or until the juices run clear when tested with a fork.
- This recipe yields 4 servings.
Nutrition Analysis:
- 264 calories
- 134 mg cholesterol
- 0.4 g fiber
- 358 mg sodium
- 0.7 g carbohydrates
- 5.8 g fat
- 49.1 g protein
