Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and a very strong antioxidant. The main active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, and that is what gives turmeric its bright yellow colour. Unfortunately, curcumin is poorly absorbed, but consuming black pepper and a healthy fat source will enhance the absorption of curcumin by 2000%. Lots of adults enjoy the health benefits of turmeric – here are three recipes from nutritionist Gina Urlich (nutritionbyginarose.com) to introduce it to children, too!
Baby: chia mango & turmeric pudding
Serves 3
You need:
- 1 cup coconut milk – the kind you drink (look in the refrigerated section of the supermarket)
- ¼ cup chia seeds
- ½ cup mango
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- Tiny pinch of finely ground black pepper
How to make:
- Whisk together coconut milk and chia seeds. Leave for 5 minutes, then whisk again to ensure there are no clumpy seeds.
- Refrigerate for a few hours until the chia seeds have expanded in the liquid and the mixture has thickened.
- Blend mango, turmeric, and black pepper. Set aside.
- Separate coconut and chia mixture into portions, then top with mango puree.
TIP: You can also top with berries, papaya, melon, stewed apple, or pear.
Toddler: Superfood Scrambled Eggs
Serves 2
You need:
- 2 teaspoons butter
- 6 eggs
- 2 tablespoons cream or whole milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 pinches turmeric
- Chopped chives (optional)
How to make:
- Heat a small saucepan on medium heat and add butter.
- While the butter melts, crack the eggs into a bowl, then add the cream, salt, and pepper and beat well, ensuring the yolks are well integrated into the mixture.
- Add the turmeric to the melted butter and stir the pan for a minute, allowing the turmeric become fragrant.
- Add the egg mixture, stirring as often as possible, at least every 30 seconds. The mixture will eventually become custard-like and creamy. Once the eggs are cooked to your liking (about 5-10 minutes), transfer them to a serving bowl and sprinkle with the chopped chives.
- Serve with wholemeal toast soldiers.
Schoolkid: Savoury Protein Muffins
Makes 9
You need:
- 8 eggs
- ½ cup of milk
- ½ cup self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 rashers of bacon, diced
- 2 handfuls of chopped spinach
- 1 small bunch of chopped parsley
- cup grated cheese
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper
- Pumpkin Seeds (optional)
How to make:
- Pre heat oven to 180°C.
- In a large bowl, whisk eggs and milk together.
- Add flour and baking powder and mix through.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and mix well.
- Grease a muffin tin with butter or olive oil. Spoon mixture into muffin tins. Sprinkle over pumpkin seeds if desired. Bake for 25 minutes.
- Cool on a wire rack.
