There
is so much chemistry in cooking, and there’s chemistry in the combining of
flavors too. So when combining
spices we should ponder the chemistries of both Health & Flavor. Here are some recipes for Avanti
signature spice blends that will make cooking in your kitchen fast, flavorful
& full of phyto-nutrients.
Whip up some spice blends based upon your tastes and nutritional target
interests and reach for one jar instead of several when it’s time to cook up a
meal.
Let’s
start w/ two versions of Avanti Golden Spice, based on health food principles from India. Ayurveda has known about the power of turmeric for
centuries. The holistic
communities around the world have known foods’ abilities to heal and keep us
young for quite some time. Modern
medicine just discovered it yesterday. It’s positive to see science and tradition coming
together. These blends are all
made up of ground spices. Choose
the best quality and freshest sources of ground spices you can find.
Golden Spice, Simple Blend
Amount
|
Measure
|
Ingredient
|
Prep Method
|
1 ½
|
Cups
|
Turmeric
|
|
1
|
Cup
|
Fenugreek powder
|
|
¼
|
Cup
|
Asafoetida
|
Optional
|
¼
|
Cup
|
Paprika
|
Directions:
Combine all. Makes 3 cups total. Store in a glass container, in a dark
cabinet.
Anti-inflammatory,
antioxidant, liver cleanse are just a few of the many healthful properties of
turmeric. Fenugreek nurtures the
cardiovascular system and kidneys, reduces symptoms of menstrual discomfort and
menopause, and may help to stave off diabetes. Asafoetida treats headaches, respiratory disorders &
strengthens the stomach. It has a
bitter taste, so perhaps start w/ less than the recipe calls for, until you
acquire a taste for it. You’ll
learn to like it’s potent fragrance & strong flavor. Paprika is loaded w/ vitamins A, E
& B6, iron & capsaicin. It’s
a natural anti-bacterial.
Here’s a more complex
blend. This gives you added spices
for more healthful properties & flavor.
Golden Spice, Ginger Blend
Amount
|
Measure
|
Ingredient
|
Prep Method
|
¾
|
Cup
|
Turmeric
|
|
½
|
Cup
|
Fenugreek powder
|
|
½
|
Cup
|
Coriander powder
|
|
¼
|
Cup
|
Asafetida
|
|
1/8
|
Cup
|
Paprika
|
Not smoked
|
1/8
|
Cup
|
Ginger powder
|
Directions:
Combine all. Store in a glass container, in a dark
cabinet.
Coriander has been studied
for its beneficial effects on the nervous system, blood sugar &
insulin. Ginger is a potent anti
inflammatory. Inflammation leads
to a host of illnesses and DIS-ease.
In addition ginger has impacts on arthritis, brain health, infection and
more.
All of these spices are
considered anti-cancer compounds.
I use some of the sea salt
lime brine from the process of making Moroccan Preserved Limes w/ a hearty dash
of Avanti Golden Spice in a glass of sparkling water to start the day w/ a
hearty, energizing full body cleanse. Add a wee fresh chili too to great the dawn!
Now let’s move to the Middle
East for a tantalizing curry like spice blend, as fun to taste as it is to say,
Hawaij
Hawaij Avanti
Amount
|
Measure
|
Ingredient
|
Prep Method
|
2 ½
|
Cups
|
Ginger
|
Ground
|
2/3
|
Cup
|
Cinnamon
|
Ground
|
½
|
Cup
|
Cardamom
|
Ground
|
2/3
|
Cup
|
Cloves
|
Ground
|
½
|
Cup
|
Paprika
|
Ground
|
2
|
Tablespoons
|
Lemon peel powder
|
POWDER
|
3
|
Tablespoons
|
Orange peel powder
|
POWDER
|
¼
|
Cup
|
Turmeric
|
Ground
|
¼
|
Cup
|
Fenugreek
|
Ground
|
Directions:
Combine all in a glass
container. Store in a dark cabinet.
Cinnamon is known to regulate
blood sugar, boost brain function & improve colon health. Cardamom helps control cholesterol,
boosts mood & supports gastrointestinal health. Cloves are a potent anti bacterial, support the liver &
bones. Citrus peel powders are
available in quality spice shops and online. They add flavor & digestive health benefits. We’ve used both orange peel & lemon peel powder in this fragrant version of Hawaij.
Whip up a batch of these
great blends and use them daily. A
little spice in w/ anything makes for a tasty meal in minutes. Make some fun labels & bag or jar
up these fragrant wonder spices for gifts and stocking stuffers. You’ll give the gift of flavor &
health to everyone you know and for pennies a packet.
Eating
Healthy & Delicious is a Win Win Win Situation!
Eat, Live
& Party Well
Blog post
by Chef Mark Cleveland
Avanti is
the longstanding leader in organic, sustainable, local, flavorful cuisine in
Orange County, CA.
Meaning
'forward' in Italian, Avanti Natural is a culinary philosophy that integrates
the best of traditional European and Asian healthful eating with the latest
nutritional information for optimum health.
At Avanti
Natural, we believe that you don't have to sacrifice taste to eat healthy. You can Eat Well & Live Well. Follow us on social media to see what
Avanti is up to now. We are
Whole Foods Experts. Post photos
of your versions of Avanti Natural recipes on our Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter,
YouTube and Instagram pages. Check
our blog on the website for how to recipe blogs. We’re excited to see and share your culinary creativity!
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