The holiday season is here. It is time to celebrate and enjoy nourishing food with your family and friends. There are many foods and recipes out there but if you are like most people, you want something special for Thanksgiving.
What if you can enjoy a great meal and also be nourished at the same time with a little jamu-ingredient inspired dishes? It might be a lot to whip up some Indonesian herbal tonics for the family to share, but we can use some of the ingredients in our dishes to give it a little zing?
Indonesia has been a spice island for centuries. Located among ancient trading paths and wealthy with botanical sources, these distant islands quickly became a global interest centuries ago. Spices were valued not just for their flavor, but also for their capacity to disguise spoiled foods, freshen breath, and remedy health issues. These local spices and ingredients also evolved to be the backbone of Indonesia’s herbal healing tradition – jamu, which has been a secret health give for centuries. In addition to other herbs, it features two simple but powerful ingredients: Turmeric and Ginger. Turmeric and ginger have some scientifically-backed health benefits which we will explore below, so why not include it with the meals?
HEALTH BENEFITS OF TURMERIC
Turmeric active component is curcumin and it has the following health benefits.
1. Anti-inflammatory Effect
Inflammation occurs in your body all the time. It helps to fight foreign bodies and also repair tissue damage. But prolonged inflammation can cause chronic conditions such as cancer and heart disease. Turmeric can help fight inflammation without the side effects common with prescription drugs.
2. Anti-Oxidant Properties
Your body’s biological processes generate some molecules known as free radicals which can attack cells and tissue to cause chronic diseases. Curcumin in Turmeric can help your body neutralize these radicals so you can live a healthy life.
3. Fights Aging
Many chronic diseases reduce longevity. By preventing the development of such disease turmeric will reduce the effect of aging. It can also keep your organs healthy and functional.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF GINGER
1. Relieves Nausea
Some diseases and drugs induce nausea. Ginger can help fight nausea and related conditions such as morning sickness and vomiting. It is a safe alternative to antinausea drugs.
2. Lowers Blood Sugar
For people suffering from diabetes, food choice is a challenge. Ginger’s strong ant-diabetic effects and can help lower blood sugar after meal.
3. Relieves Indigestion
Indigestion is a common ailment caused by a delay in emptying the stomach. It is more common in the festive period when people eat more food than usual. Ginger can help you speed up the transit of food out of your stomach. In the process, it helps prevent the accumulation and fermentation of undigested food.
GINGER AND TURMERIC RECIPES
Now that you know some of the health benefits of turmeric and ginger, you may be wondering how to use them in your dishes this coming Thanksgiving.
No problem, we have compiled some recipes for your enjoyment.
Turmeric-Ginger Soup
This is a delicacy you can enjoy with friends and family for Thanksgiving. Turmeric and ginger provide a lot of flavor to the soup without the added sodium or fat that is common with seasonings. The hearty vegetables also provide fiber and a smooth, comforting & delicious flavor.
Ingredients
Serves 4
1. 4 medium carrots
2. 4 sweet potatoes
3. 3 cups of water
4. 1 can of chickpeas
5. 1 inch fresh ginger
6. 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
7. 1 tablespoon salt
Directions
1. Slice the carrots in half and cube the potatoes
2. Peel and dice the ginger
3. Combine all ingredients in a pot and cook for two hours on high
4. Serve and enjoy with a variety of food
Turmeric Black Beans and Rice
This staple food recipe is great for entertaining your family and guests on Thanksgiving or related holidays. Plus, this recipe uses rice, which is Indonesia’s staple food, dating as far back as early as 2300 B.C.!
Ingredients
Serves 4
1. 3 ounces smoked turkey sausage or vegetarian sausage
2. 1 cup sliced onion
3. ½ can rinsed black beans
4. ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
5. ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric
6. Half cup brown rice
7. Half ripe chopped medium avocado
Directions
1. Add sausage to a frying pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until browned. Transfer the sausage from the pan.
2. Add onion to the pan and cook for 3 minutes
3. Boil the beans and broth in a pot over medium heat, add sausage and stir.
4. In a saucepan, add water, turmeric, and rice. Cook till done.
5. Serve the dish by mixing the beans and rice preparation and add avocado as a dressing
The Indonesian Jamu stood the test of time because it is an effective tradition. This is why we based our skincare line JUARA on the Jamu’s principles backed by science. JUARA products are made with turmeric, ginger and other proprietary herbal and spice blends to help you achieve a healthy and glowing skin. For example, Turmeric is included in our powerful Clove Flower & Turmeric Anti-Aging Serum, our popular Radiance Enzyme Scrub, our Miracle Tea Complete Eye Creme just to name a few. Ginger too has a prominent place in our our treatments, such as in our Sweet Black Tea & Ginger Oil-Free Moisturizer or our Ginger Coffee Firming Treatment for the body. Beauty is inside out and outside in. So it’s great to remember not only can ginger and turmeric nourish your skin, it can also nourish our tummies and add to our enjoyment this coming Thanksgiving!
