Golden Turmeric & Ginger Milk
Fall / Winter
Creamy, fragrant with hints of warm spice from the ginger, this Golden Turmeric Milk is a favorite of mine when there's a winter chill in the air. The main active ingredient, Curcumin, makes turmeric a well-know anti-inflammatory with wonderful anti-oxidant properties.
That said, to really see benefits, studies suggest taking it in more condensed forms, like a supplement. My personal feeling is that, although supplementation can be wonderful complement to any diet, the less "pills" of any kind we can aim to take (within what our professional health advisor recommends), and the more we aim to have a balanced, whole-foods diet instead, the better!
My scientific takeaway: make this often, and drink lots of it to strive for those Curcumin benefits! The hint of black pepper gives it an added kick, and is said to help with absorption, too!
INGREDIENTS // SERVES 4
2 - 2” knobs fresh turmeric
1 - 2” knob fresh ginger
3t ghee
2C full-fat coconut milk
1C water (use coconut water for added flavor)
1 T local honey*, or maple syrup
1 dash freshly ground black pepper
Preparation // 15 minutes
Peel both the turmeric and ginger. See KITCHEN TIPS below.
Grate turmeric & ginger finely.
Blend all ingredients (minus honey) in a high-speed blender (I use my Vitamix as often as my toothbrush! Highly recommend the investment!)
Pour into a saucepan, over medium heat, and bring to the softest boil for 5 minutes - no rolling boil! Tiny bubbles up sides allowed. ;)
Stir in Honey (or leave out if you want to allow for guests to sweeten to taste).
Strain the golden milk through a fine-mesh strainer or tea strainer. Serve warm.
KITCHEN TIP #1 - To peel ginger & turmeric I use the back of a spoon instead of a peeler; fast & easier to handle and get around nubs, too.
KITCHEN TIP #2 - Freeze your ginger & turmeric to make it easier to grate!
Variations //
If you want to switch it up each time, explore adding other warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves.
Substitutions //
If you can't find fresh turmeric, substitute with 3 teaspoons of turmeric powder.
*LOCAL HONEY (raw) contains pollen specific to your area and therefore can really help with seasonal allergies. For allergy sufferers: take a tablespoon of raw honey 1-2x/day, preferrably starting a few months prior to the allergy season; this gets the pollen introduced into the body and gradually builds up your tolerance to seasonal allergies.