Turmeric milk is right up there with hot cacao and tea for the perfect winter late night drink. Turmeric is perhaps my favourite spice, with so many health benefits – see Turmeric info section to be blown away. This drink has an earthy flavour with a hint of sweetness that makes you forget you’re drinking liquid medicine! Anything warm in the evening has a soothing effect on digestion and increases sleepiness by relaxing the muscles. Traditionally, Turmeric milk comes from Ayurvedic practises in ancient Indian cultures. The black pepper enhances the absorption of curcumin (the main component of turmeric) in our bodies, so while it may sound odd to add pepper to a supposedly “sweet” drink – rest assured, I have my reasons for including it.
Ingredients:
2 cups of coconut milk (fresh is best but if purchasing from a health food store go for certified organic. I also like the Pure Harvest brand, as it uses organic rice syrup as opposed to agave.
1 t/l coconut nectar or raw honey (NZ Manuka honey is my preference)
½ knob of turmeric (organic) – note: you can use 1 tsp of ground turmeric if you can’t find the real stuff
1 cinnamon quill or 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
2 tbl coconut oil
a pinch of black pepper
1 tsp grated ginger (fresh is best but again can use powder)
2 – 3 cardamom pods (optional)
1 vanilla bean (optional)
What to do::
1. Pour all ingredients into a small saucepan and bring to a light boil
2. Reduce the heat and leave for 1-2 mins until the honey/mayple syrup has melted
3. Strain any pieces of ginger, cinnamon, peppercorns, turmeric, cardamom, vanilla bean
4. Enjoy (best served warm but can be served chilled – best consumed on the same day as preparation)
Time required: 8 minutes
Level of difficulty: Medium
Serves: 2
Stay tuned Coconutty friends ... plenty of more delish recipes to come!
Tags: Drinks, Digestion, Diaherrea, Arthritis, Energy, Detox, Skin abrasions/wounds, Skin disorders, Cancer, Insomnia
