Turmeric has wonderful anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It is a panacea for many health problems. According to Ayurveda, a kitchen without turmeric is not a kitchen. The use of turmeric not only gives a nice golden colour to your food, it increases the nutritional and medicinal value and converts the food into effective medicines.
Research shows, when curcumin in Turmeric is combined with black pepper, its bioavailability significantly increases, meaning the combination of Turmeric and black pepper is very effective.
Golden Milk is the best recipe to get all the health benefits of Turmeric in daily life. The best time to drink is before bed that helps to improve sleep and boost up the immune system.
Turmeric Ginger Black Pepper Paste
Makes 340g
Ingredients
100g fresh ginger – peeled and cut into 2 cm pieces
50g fresh turmeric- peeled and cut into 2 cm pieces
50 g turmeric powder (6Tbs)
1 Tbs ground black pepper
1 cup of melted coconut oil (12 Tbs of hard coconut oil)
1/3 cup filtered water
Method
Using a food processor or high speed blender, process fresh ginger and turmeric until very fine- almost like paste consistency, set aside in a bowl.
Using a saucepan, melt coconut oil in low heat. Then add chopped fresh ginger and turmeric, ground black pepper, water and ground turmeric. Mix all the ingredients and increase heat to medium high, keep stirring the mixture while it’s cooking for about 5 min. The paste is ready when you smell a nice fragrance and the mixture starts to stick more in the bottom of the pot.
Transfer paste into a sterilised jar or container and allow it to cool. Place into the refrigerator until ready to use.
Notes:
The paste can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
You can freeze the paste by placing into ice cube trays and can be kept frozen for up to 4 weeks
Use the paste for turmeric latte, smoothies, juices, teas, soups, stews, stir-fries, curries, kitchari, dhals, dressings and dips. I’m sure there are more uses for it 😉
Golden Milk
Ingredients
500g of your choice of milk
1- 2 Tbs of maple syrup (to taste)
2-3 tsp of fresh turmeric ginger black pepper paste (to taste)
Method
Place all ingredients into a saucepan and heat on medium high heat for about 5 min stirring constantly. Remove from heat just before it boils.
Then froth turmeric latte with a hand milk frother and serve.
Notes:
You can sprinkle the turmeric latte with:
Cinnamon powder
Nutmeg powder
Cardamom powder
According to your preference 🙂
Recipes by Débora Galvin