Healthy Sundays-Sunday Kashka
Updated: Aug 31, 2019
As promised the autumn theme continues and today I have for you a very special porridge recipe, that might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it is definitely someone's latte (wait for it, we will get to that reference shortly...). Plus bonus points for healthy benefits and for the beautiful fall yellow-ish colour as well. But let's get started...
If you are anything like me, and love to experiment with flavours and textures, you will enjoy this kashka. I call it anti-inflammatory kashka, as it contains a number of ingredients that help fight the awful acidity feeling, you may have experienced. I certainly have been struggling with severe inflammation for quite a while now, and have discovered that these ingredients definitely alleviate my stomach and help reduce the pain.
These aren't in anyway a remedy, so if you do experience any pain of similar sort, please consult a doctor first!
And now finally, a little bit about the actual ingredients. The 'special' ingredient of the anti-inflammatory 'kashka' is first and foremost, you guessed it-turmeric or also known as curcumin. It has very strong anti-inflammatory effects and is a very strong antioxidant.
Unfortunately, curcumin is poorly absorbed into the bloodstream. What helps in this case is to consume black pepper with it, which contains piperine, a natural substance that enhances the absorption of curcumin by 2,000%. Here comes second important ingredient-it is, you guessed it again-black pepper (WOW, you are on a row now! It's okay I know that is the easiest game ever, but hey, we are being al positive and happy here, after all it's Sunday! And Sundays are for relaxation, peace and laughter...)
Next on the list is bee pollen. Anti-inflammatory and a strong immune-booster (perfect for the approaching winter months), also known to be helping with several therapeutic applications. Bee pollen is a great brain booster, lifting brain fatigue, improving alertness and helping concentration levels over an extended period of time. Rich in the B vitamins – these are essential for a healthy nervous system and powerful detoxifiers, especially to the brain. They are often referred to as “anti-stress” or “morale” vitamins - when the nervous system is working optimally anxiety and stress can be greatly lessened.
Finally black sesame seeds-not only for a pretty visual effect, when plating, but these tiny seeds facilitate digestion, boost metabolic function and once again reduce inflammation.
For 1 bowl of anti-inflammatory 'kashka' you will need:
1 cup water
1 cup cashew nut milk (or any nut milk that you like)
1/2 cup millet (well washed and rinsed)
5-10 raisins for sweetness (optional)
pinch of salt
1/2 tsp turmeric
1/2 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp cinnamon
nutmeg
1tsp coconut oil
For the anti inflammatory topping you will need:
1/2 banana
1 tsp bee polen
1 tsp black sesame seeds
black pepper
raisins/sultanas to taste (you can add raisins to the boiling kashka too)
drizzle of honey/maple syrup/agave/date syrup (optional)
Nutrition information per portion:
Calories: 312 kcal
Protein: 7g
Carbs: 49g
Fibre: 4g
Sugar: 10g
Fat: 10g
How to prepare the 'kashka'?
In a saucepan add the water and cashew milk (as always) on medium-high heat until they are just about to boil. Change to low heat. In the mean time, wash well and drain the millet. Add it to the boiling liquid, add a pinch of salt. Stir and keep an eye on it. Add all the dry spices plus the optional raisins. Cook on low until the consistency becomes nice and creamy. Add the coconut oil at the end and stir well. Remove from the heat. Serve. Top with banana, raisins, bee pollen, sesame seeds and season with black pepper. Voilá!
Now back to the reference from the first lines. Looking at this recipe it is safe to say that this is actually very much a turmeric latte 'kashka'. (thumbs up and credits to whoever invented the delicious drink). Enjoy in moderation, balance it is all in the balance. Relax, unwind and have a lovely healthy Sunday everyone! See you soon with more!