Lemon Chicken with Turmeric (Real Food, Paleo, Whole30)

Turmeric root, the spice that gives curry powder its signature yellow color, is most commonly associated with cooking. But historically, it has been used for its medicinal properties due to its powerful compounds - most importantly curcumin. Studies have shown that the compound curcumin contains strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, as well as antiseptic properties and can be used as a sleep aid alternative.

Topically, turmeric can be used in a paste to sooth inflamed skin (as with eczema and psoriasis, acne and bug bites). Internally, turmeric can be helpful in reducing pain associated with inflammation (as with arthritis, or other conditions), and aids with digestive issues, such as upset stomach or pains, and with gallbladder, kidney and liver issues.

Laboratory tests have shown that using turmeric can prevent hardening of the arteries. It may support brain health and prevent and slow Alzheimer's. And curcumin, as a cancer treatment, can affect cancer growth, development and spread by reducing the growth of new blood vessels in tumors, and contributing to the death of cancerous cells. Packs a nice punch, right?

Turmeric can easily be added to many dishes such as scrambled eggs, beef (a favorite) and stew dishes, added to bone broth, and can be made into tea or tonic, pictured above (I substitute homemade finished water kefir in the tonic and omit the sweetener).

One of my favorite (and quick) ways to add turmeric to our diets is with this chicken dish. I use my pressure cooker to save time, but I am sure this can be adapted to use a conventional stovetop method or a slow cooker.

Lemon Turmeric Chicken (adapted from Pressure Cooker for Dummies)

2 tablespoon cooking fat (tallow or olive oil)
2 cloves of garlic, peeled and sliced
1 onion (red or white), sliced
2 tablespoons chopped organic cilantro
1/2 teaspoon organic ground turmeric
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup chicken broth
3 pounds bone-in chicken pieces (skin removed, optional)
1 organic lemon, sliced

Following the instructions on the electric pressure cooker, heat the cooking fat and add the garlic, onion, cilantro, salt and turmeric. Stir well for 2 minutes and add the chicken pieces. Stir well to coat the chicken with the turmeric mixture and pour in the broth. Place the lemon slices on top.

Cover the pot and cook using high pressure for 15 minutes. Release the pressure in the pot using a quick-release method. Unlock the cover and adjust the seasonings, if needed - serve.

Comments

Slow Cooker Menudo (Real Food, Paleo, Whole30, AIP Friendly)

Menudo , or tripe soup, is a traditional soup commonly served on a Sunday morning. It is considered labor-intensive since it requires a very long cooking time, so it started the night before any plans to eat it, or made for special occasions. Due to its nourishing collagen-packed broth and mineral-rich protein, it has a cult following for those wishing to get rid of the Saturday night hangover! I remember my dad being the one prepping the tripe at night and I remember someone getting up during the night at various times to check on the pot of soup bubbling on the stove. I also remember becoming a teenager and deciding I no longer would eat organ meats! So I even gave up on all the other delicious ones, like tender beef tongue and beef cheeks. I also happily gave up the ones I never liked - like liver and mushy brains. Yes, brains...... As an adult, I decided being an adventurous eater was much more fun and I incorporated liver back in my diet. ...

Easy Instant Pot Beans (Real Food, Wapf, Vegan)

I recently started making beans on a regular basis for my family and I remember now how much of a comfort dish this is. Best of all, it is one of the easiest dishes to make at home. Beans are a legume prized and eaten all over Mexico and, along with maiz, is usually served on a daily basis. According to experts, there are possibly 200+ types of edible beans grown in Mexico, with beans being cultivated close to 7 thousand years ago. And they were so valuable, that the Aztecs asked for them as tribute payments. Legumes, like grains, are super easy on the family budget and they can provide quality nutrition when prepared properly. Beans are generally high in minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and iron, they also contain phytic acid - basically an anti-nutrient. Phytic acid binds to minerals, like calcium and iron, and prevents the body from absorbing them. Diets heavy in phytic acid can lead to developmental delays in children, tooth decay, bri...

Albondigas (Mexican Meatball Soup - Real Food, Grain Free, Paleo, Whole30)

Sopa de albondigas literally means meatball soup. And I know.....meatballs? In soup? Yes, please! In Mexican homes, this bowl of comfort is actually just called albondigas, and it gets a boost of flavor with addition of mint (traditionally yerba buena ). And again, yes, mint! This soup does not include the usual chile pepper added to many Mexican dishes, so it is not spicy. But a spicy salsa is usually expected to be served along with the soup so that diners can add some kick to individual bowl. One of my favorite things about this recipe is that the meatball are cooked right in the stock pot, along with the liquid and vegetables, so the dirty dish level is kept to a minimum. Feel free to vary the vegetables here - I always use diced carrots, celery, and some sort of squash but a bit of diced potato is quite nice here. Mexican cooks usually leave the veggies in large chunks - I prefer a smaller, neater dice. If you prefer your sou...

Holistic Instincts

Search This Blog