Healing Spices ~ How Turmeric, Cayenne Pepper, and Other Spices Can Improve Your Health, Life, and Well-Being

Spices have earned a place in pantries and kitchens around the world and often if not most times are the key or sole ingredient to a dish. Fresh herbs and spices are best however dried should not be overlooked, they are handy. Some believe that if you want to add more flavour to your food and possibly cut down on salt, sugar and oils, spices are the way to go. 

Spices flavour many dishes, sauces, and meats however they seem to offer some benefits such as improving certain aliments and overall health. Spices, such as turmeric, cinnamon, ginger garlic, cloves and sage, to name a few are abundant in antioxidants and polyphenols, which may help with inflammation and may help chronic conditions.

I didn't know much about Instructables.com until I was given this book. It is a compact cookbook with dozen of cooking and baking recipes including beauty remedies with step by step guides. Not only are there recipes and remedies but this book gives a detailed guide about the benefits of each spice and herb. The photos in the book are step by step no frills which adds to its charm; as any glossy artistic food photos would completely deminish that. The book is quirky however insightful and helpful. Good, if you are curious about spices and herbs in a compact form and the recipes are easy to get you started. 

I will share the Tikka Masala recipe, as it is written from the book. To find out more about Instructables and other recipes, visit their website, Instructables.com

Chicken Tikka Masala with Turmeric Rice - by Nerdinista

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Step 1: Chicken Tikka Masala

Ingredients:

2 chicken breasts

1 tablespoon canola oil

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 large onion

1 medium tomato

2 small cloves of garlic

1/4 piece (about 1 inch) ginger root

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon garam masala

3 tablespoons water

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon salt

For the marinade:

1/3 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon garam masala 

2 small cloves garlic

1/4 piece ginger

2 tablespoon plain (or vanilla) yogurt

Trim the chicken and cut into small cubes. Mix all marinade ingredients and fold in to chicken. Marinate at least 15 minutes, but the longer the better.

Chop onion, tomato, garlic, ginger. Sauté onions in canola oil over low heat until golden brown. Add garlic and ginger and sauté until fragrant. Add tomatoes and sauce until moisture has evaporated. Add cumin powder, garam masala, salt, and sugar, then simmer for 2 minutes. Add water and simmer for 2 minutes. 

In a separate pan heat olive oil and sauté chicken over low heat. Add chicken to sauce and mix well. Bring briefly to a boil before removing from heat. Transfer to a plate and serve!

Step 2: Turmeric Rice

Ingredients:

1 cup rice (I used basic brown)

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1/2 teaspoon turmeric

1 tablespoon butter

1 cup chicken broth

Wash and drain rice -  soak in fresh water for 20 minutes and drain. Melt butter in pan on low, add rice and stir-fry for 1 minute. add salt and turmeric, then stir. Add chicken stock and bring to a boil. Reduce to low, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let steam for 5 minutes. Stir and serve! 

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! - JD