4 ways to cook with turmeric this Christmas

Explore new ways to use turmeric in meals and drinks this Christmas.

Turmeric might not be the first ingredient on your shopping list this Christmas, but when you realise how many ways it can be used – and how it can help you stay well during the silly season – you’ll want to make sure you’ve stocked up.

The festive season is a marathon, not a sprint, so it’s important to ensure you’re taking care of yourself. Turmeric, a powerful anti-inflammatory spice, can help to do that. Served in a potent ginger, turmeric and apple shot, it gives you a real kick in the morning.

This one is for the adventurous. Take a one-inch knob of turmeric, a one-inch knob of ginger and one apple, then put it through a cold-pressed slow juicer if you have one (or a blender if you don’t).

You end up with about a 30 to 60ml shot of fire. It’s an amazing balance between the sweet and tart of the apple and the fiery flavours of turmeric and ginger. Down a shot of this and it's a powerful dose of anti-inflammatory. The perfect way to combat Christmas chaos.

Whether you just need a break from the turkey and ham or you’re looking for an easy last-minute entertainer, a turmeric-based curry is ideal. When you make a curry, even if you use a pre-mixed curry mix, such as a garam masala, always add more turmeric than you need.

In summer, a coconut fish curry is perfect – I’ve included my Fijan Fish Curry recipe below for some inspiration. I'm quite heavy with my turmeric powder in a dish like this. You can even use a base of fresh turmeric, fresh ginger and fresh garlic. Then add ghee, mustard seeds, cumin powder, coriander seed powder, turmeric powder, a bit of salt, fish and coconut milk. Ideal on a balmy December night.

Often during summer, we don't get enough hydration and medicinal foods. So, wherever you can find a place for them, put them in your diet. An easy way to do this is by adding turmeric to the side salads that you serve during the festive season.

You can make turmeric-based dressings or simply sprinkle turmeric powder over a dish. Or, if you’re making a chicken salad, cook the chicken with olive oil and turmeric.

I like tea that’s made from scratch. Grate half an inch of turmeric and a similar amount of ginger. You’ll end up with two or three tablespoons of grated ginger and turmeric on your chopping board.

If you're a little bit rough like me, you paste them onto the palm of your hand and squeeze between your fingers into a cup. You’ll get about 10 to 20 drops of liquid.

Add warm water and a bit of cayenne pepper. Stir in some honey if you need it. It’s great for hydration in the morning, and it’s a really simple way to get the benefits of this powerful anti-inflammatory herb.

After Christmas, when you’re still looking vibrant while people around you begin to wilt, you can tell them your secret ingredient is turmeric.

Disclaimer:
The information in this article is general information only and is not intended as financial, medical, health, nutritional, tax or other advice. It does not take into account any individual’s personal situation or needs. You should consider obtaining professional advice from a financial adviser and/or tax specialist, or medical or health practitioner, in relation to your own circumstances and before acting on this information.