Turmeric Beyond A Glass of Milk: Wellness Drinks, Cocktails & Condiments

That canary yellow hued glass of milk may have turned sassy with Turmeric Latte making a viral appearance on menus worldwide. In an analogous development, a report by the World Health Organisation brings forth serious lack of development of new antibiotics for addressing the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. The rise of turmeric as a superfood (Indian grand moms couldn’t be happier), thus, may turn the grim reality a shade brighter. All for prevention, we rush to the pantry, gather a knob of fresh turmeric, and head straight to the kitchen to stir up recipes using this natural immunity-boosting, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory spice that comes bearing a plethora of good health news.

Turmeric and Ginger Honey Lemon Drink

Add zing to your honey lemon cuppa to battle that ridiculous cold or even a serious hangover. Turn it into a magical potion with the added goodness from tulsi, ginger, and turmeric. Best had in the morning or as the 4 pm beverage, this one’s a detoxifying immunity booster. It also helps relieve nausea, headaches, soreness, indigestion, fights infection, congestion, acne…you get the drift.

Prep Time: 7 minutes

Caters To: 2 gobblers

Challenge Level: Beginner

From the Pantry:

• ½ teaspoon grated turmeric
• ½ teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 muddled or hand-torn tulsi leaves
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 lemon
• A pinch of black pepper

Mix Away:

1.  Bring water to a boil. Add grated turmeric, ginger, muddled or torn tulsi leaves. Let the mix boil for another minute.
2.  Turn off the heat. Add a pinch of pepper and mix. Strain into two cups.
3.  Add honey and lemon juice per taste. Serve hot.

Hot Turmeric Toddy

We are all for eating and drinking healthy, but not without throwing in oodles of fun as we trudge along. If the Irish Hot Toddy is a delicious nightcap packing in the vitamin C for health, honey to soothe, alcohol to numb, and spices for warmth, our take on it with a dash of turmeric is just as soothing. Take a swig.

Prep Time:  20 minutes

Caters To: 2 Tipplers

Challenge Level: Beginner

From the Pantry:

• 2 ½ cups water
• ½ teaspoon grated turmeric
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 cloves, whole
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• 1 ginger tea bag
• ¼  cup honey
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ¼  cup whiskey of choice
• 2 star anise for garnish
• 2 lemon slices for garnish

Mix Away:

1. In a saucepan add water, grated turmeric, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg powder, and cloves. Cover and bring to boil. Reduce the heat and allow the mix to simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Turn off the heat. Place the ginger tea bag in the saucepan. Let it steep for 5 minutes with the lid on.
3. Remove the tea bag and strain the mix. Add honey, lemon, and whiskey. Turn the heat on low and stir till honey dissolves. Pour into two glasses.
4. Garnish with a star anise and lemon slice each. Serve immediately.

Quick Turmeric Pickle

Amp up an Indian meal or burgers ‘n’ fries with some turmeric pickle. It is delicious and super quick to put together. A bottle of this condiment on the dining table will ensure you don’t miss having the recommended pinch of fresh turmeric all through the season.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Challenge Level: Beginner

From the Pantry:

• 3 medium-sized pieces of fresh turmeric
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon salt

Mix Away:

1. Peel the turmeric and cut it into juliennes.
2. Take a sterilized glass jar and add the turmeric juliennes, lemon juice and salt. Stir well.
3. Let it stand for 30 minutes and shake well before serving.

Go ahead, add some fresh turmeric to your food and drinks for a lovely colour and a dose of health.

Featured Image Courtesy: Wellness with Taryn