SPICES OF LIFE
Add zing to your palate with these spicy and health-giving taste sensations.
TURMERIC LATTE
Making your own latte is easy with this recipe. Mix up your ingredients and benefit from the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of turmeric.
You will need
350ml almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
¼ tsp turmeric
¼ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp fynbos honey
Method
Place all the ingredients in a saucepan and whisk together over a gentle heat. Once hot, pour into a cup and sprinkle over some extra cinnamon to serve.
Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body, which may help alleviate symptoms of arthritis, improve brain function, and potentially reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.
CARROT AND GINGER SOUP
You will need
1 onion
4 cups of chopped carrots
1½ Tbsps peeled and minced ginger
2 Tbsps olive oil
4 cups vegetable stock
¼ tsp garlic powder
Pinch of cinnamon
½ tsp salt
½ cup coconut milk
Method
Dice the onion. Peel and chop the carrots. Peel the ginger and mince it.
In a pot, heat the olive oil. Add the onion and sauté for 5 minutes. Add the ginger, carrots, stock, garlic, cinnamon, and salt and bring to a boil. Simmer until the carrots are soft.
Transfer the soup to a blender. Blend, adding the coconut milk, until smooth and creamy. Taste, and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
Top with a swirl of coconut milk and garnish to your liking.
Ginger has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for nausea and digestive issues. It contains compounds called gingerols and shogaols, which are believed to help reduce inflammation, ease pain and improve digestion. It may also have antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.
CINNAMON OVERNIGHT OATS
You will need
2½ cups rolled oats
2½ cups milk
6 tsps honey
1½ tsps vanilla
1¼ tsps cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
Method
Stir the oats, milk, honey, vanilla, cinnamon and salt in a bowl. Divide among five jars. Screw on the lids and leave overnight (or for up to five days if you prefer).
If you like, add a garnish of your choice or add a little cocoa for chocolatey notes.
Cinnamon contains compounds that may help to lower blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for people with diabetes. It may also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which could potentially reduce the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions.
HOMEMADE CHILLI AND CUMIN SPICE MIX
Ingredients
⅛ cup paprika
½ tsp smoked paprika
1½ tsps garlic powder
½ tsp cayenne
1½ tsps onion powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
Method
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well.
Store in an air-tight container for up to one year.
CHILLI CUMIN CHICKEN
Ingredients
3 Tbsps homemade chilli and cumin spice mix (see recipe above)
1 Tbsp olive oil
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
½ cup picante sauce
¼ cup water
1 tsp stock powder
Method
Rub your homemade chilli cumin spice over both sides of your chicken. In a large skillet, heat your olive oil over medium heat. Brown chicken on both sides.
In a small bowl, mix picante sauce, water, stock powder and remaining cumin, and pour over your chicken. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer and cover until your chicken is perfectly cooked.
Remove your chicken from the pan and keep warm. Bring sauce to boil until thickened. Serve with the chicken.
Chilli powder contains capsaicin, which is responsible for its spicy flavour and has been shown to have pain-relieving properties. It may also help to boost metabolism and aid in weight loss, as well as potentially improve heart health and reduce the risk of cancer.
Cumin is rich in antioxidants and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used in traditional medicine to treat digestive issues, including bloating, gas, and diarrhoea. Some research also suggests that it may have anti-cancer and antidiabetic properties.
