Turmeric - Healthy and Delicious by Dr. Linda Rowe

Simple Gourmet has a holistic doctor on board! My name is Dr. Linda Rowe and I have been a licensed chiropractor for 13 years. I joined the Simple Gourmet team after taking a number of their cooking classes and falling in love with their simple and delicious recipes. Melanie and Taji's style of cooking mirrored my philosophy of food, emphasizing fresh and seasonal produce. I like the saying, "You are what you eat". Proper nutrition can give you energy, a lean body; prevent disease, slow down aging, and much more.

Turmeric is one of those dried spices you see in the grocery store. Most use turmeric for added fragrance and color to dishes but it also is has fantastic health benefits. Turmeric is the spice from India that is used in curry dishes. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin and gives curry its yellow color. It is one of nature's most powerful healers and has been used for centuries in Chinese herbal medicine and Ayurvedic medicine of India. Some of the most important health benefits are anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer. Check out the Health Diaries website to see 20 reasons why you should add turmeric to your diet.

Try this recipe for a simple, hearty soup using warm Indian flavors -- it really hits the spot AND is good for you!

Spiced Lentil and Rice Soup
serves 4

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium white onion, diced
2 cups lentils (your choice of red, yellow or brown), picked over for stones
1/4 cup Arborio rice
1 tablespoon turmeric
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon coriander
4 cups stock, plus more as needed
Salt and pepper

1/2 cup plain yogurt
Chopped cilantro

Heat a Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil. When hot, add the onions and cook until golden -- about 15 minutes.

Add the lentils, rice, turmeric, cumin and coriander. Stir to combine. Add enough stock to cover the mixture by about 1-inch of liquid. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the lentils and rice are very soft. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, or if you like a thinner soup, add a bit more stock.

Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Serve topped with a dollop of yogurt and some chopped cilantro.

Recipe by Simple Gourmet © 2008