Must-Haves: Turmeric Paste

Turmeric paste

This must be a new term for you as there is no such term. I made this up as a substitute for ginger garlic paste. It’s an equal amount of fresh turmeric, ginger and lemongrass with a little galangal blend together into a paste.

I use this paste for curry, sambal, stir-fry and even for marinating. Besides enhancing the flavour, this paste is therapeutic.

Turmeric

Turmeric is one of nature's most powerful healers. The medicinal properties of this spice have been slowly revealing themselves over the centuries. Long known for its anti-inflammatory properties, recent research has revealed that turmeric is a natural wonder, proving beneficial in the treatment of many different health conditions from cancer to Alzheimer's disease

Ginger

Ginger is most commonly known for its effectiveness as a digestive aid. By increasing the production of digestive fluids and saliva, Ginger helps relieve indigestion, gas pains, diarrhea and stomach cramping. Ginger's therapeutic properties effectively stimulate circulation of the blood, removing toxins from the body, cleansing the bowels and kidneys, and nourishing the skin.

Lemon grass

The grass is considered a diuretic, tonic and stimulant. It promotes good digestion, and a preparation of lemon grass with pepper has been used for relief of menstrual troubles and nausea. It induces perspiration, to cool the body and reduce a fever.

Galangal

Resembling ginger in its effects, galangal is an aromatic stimulant, carminative and stomachic. It is used against nausea, flatulence, dyspepsia, rheumatism, catarrh and enteritis. It also possesses tonic and antibacterial qualities and is used for these properties in homeopathic medicine.