Turmeric, a spice that has long been used in Indian cooking, has recently been the subject of numerous health studies. The findings suggest that turmeric has properties that are beneficial to your health. 

According to a recent article by Andrew Weil, M.D. in Time Magazine (January 16, 2006, page 96), “[Turmeric] is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent that has anticancer properties and may offer significant protection against Alzheimer’s disease….India has the world’s lowest rate of Alzheimer’s and some experts think daily consumption of turmeric is a contributing factor.” 

You don’t need to create an elaborate meal in order to have turmeric in your diet. Here is one of my favorite tasty and simple soup recipes. It can be used as a first course to a meal, or serve it with naan or store-bought flat bread and it can be a meal on its own. For a special touch, top the naan or flat bread with the garlic herb butter recipe I have included.

Tip: Flat bread, which is similar to naan, can often be found in your regular grocery store in the bread aisle or by the deli. It’s a great alternative to use if you don’t have time to make your own Indian bread.

Potato and Ginger Lentil Soup
4 servings

Ingredients
1 tsp oil
1 ¾ cup potatoes (about 2 medium size potatoes), cut into bite size pieces
¾ cup thoor dal
½ tsp ground cumin
1 ½ tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
1 tsp grated ginger
¼ tsp turmeric
4 cups water
¼ cup peas

Method:
Put oil in pot and heat over medium heat. Add potatoes, thoor dal, cumin, salt, pepper, ginger, and turmeric to pan and sauté for a few minutes. Add water and cover pot. The water will begin to simmer after a few minutes, stir occasionally. When dal has cooked (about 30 minutes), add peas. Mix and cook for a few more minutes, then serve.


Garlic Herb Butter
6-8 servings

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons butter
1 large garlic clove, chopped finely
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
4 dashes hot sauce
1 teaspoon cilantro, chopped finely

Method:
Put butter in a microwave safe bowl and microwave for 10 seconds. Butter should be soft but not melting. Add all remaining ingredients and mix until combined. Spread a small amount on warm bread such as naan or store-bought flat bread.

Tip: Refrigerate leftover garlic herb butter and use when sautéing vegetables or put on any warm bread.



Copyright © 2006 Rajni Hatti. All rights reserved.



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