Golden Milk Chai ☕️ 💛
Turmeric is an immune health superstar, which contains curcumin, the polyphenol that gives it its amazingly bright color and provides antioxidant properties to the body. Curcumin must be paired with black pepper to increase its bioavailability, or the ability for your body to absorb it. Though turmeric itself is mild in flavor, it has been used as a natural colorant in curries, soups, drinks and even beauty, clothing! Use this tea recipe to make a concentrate that’s perfect hot or iced.
4 1/2 c water
1 tbsp ground turmeric
1 tsp nutmeg ground
1 1 inch piece turmeric sliced
1 2 inch piece ginger root sliced
3 cinnamon sticks
3 clove buds
6 cardamom pods cracked
1/4 tsp black peppercorns cracked
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 t honey
1 c full fat milk or coconut milk
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, combine water turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cinnamon clove and black pepper vanilla and honey.
Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 20 minutes, remove from heat and let steep an additional 20 minutes using a fine mesh strainer, strain chai into a jar for storage. Store in refrigerator until ready to use.
To make your latte, combine 1 part chai to 1 part milk to a glass for iced. For a hot latte, add the mixture to a saucepan, stovetop or a to milk steamer. Heat until warm and transfer to a mug for serving. Garnish with ground cinnamon and turmeric. serve immediately.
#turmericshots #turmericbenefits #turmericlate #mealprep #mealprepideas #lemon8food @Lemon8 Food
Beyond just being incredibly delicious, this Golden Milk Chai Latte has become my cozy wellness secret! I remember first trying a store-bought version and thinking, 'I can definitely make this healthier and more flavorful at home,' and that's exactly what happened. This isn't just a tasty drink; it's a hug in a mug that comes with a host of benefits, especially with all those lovely spices simmering together. We all know turmeric is a star, thanks to its curcumin, but did you know how much each spice contributes? The fresh ginger in this recipe isn't just for a spicy kick; it's fantastic for digestion and can help settle your stomach. And those cinnamon sticks? They add a wonderful warmth and have been linked to balancing blood sugar, which is a nice bonus. Cracking open those cardamom pods releases such an aromatic, almost floral note that elevates the whole chai experience, making it feel truly special. Of course, the black pepper is non-negotiable – it's the secret ingredient that unlocks turmeric's full potential, making its goodness more available to your body. Adding a touch of vanilla and honey just rounds out the flavors perfectly, creating a truly harmonious blend. What I love most about making this chai concentrate is how versatile it is. You can easily adjust the sweetness if you prefer less, or even swap honey for maple syrup if you're vegan. Don't be afraid to play with the spice ratios too; if you love ginger, add an extra slice! I've even experimented with adding a pinch of cayenne for an extra metabolism boost on colder days. For milk, while full-fat dairy or coconut milk makes it super creamy, almond or oat milk works beautifully too. I usually keep a batch of this concentrate in the fridge, and it lasts surprisingly well – usually a full week, making my morning routine so much easier. And it's not just for lattes! While my go-to is definitely a warm golden milk chai latte in the morning or a refreshing iced version in the afternoon, I've found other fun ways to incorporate this potent blend. Try stirring a tablespoon into your morning oatmeal for an extra flavor kick and health boost. You can also use a splash in smoothies, or even as a unique base for a warm dessert sauce. It's truly a powerhouse of flavor and wellness packed into one jar. Trust me, once you start making your own, you'll wonder how you ever lived without this comforting, health-packed drink!
