Turmeric Cauliflower & Brown Lentil Salad
Know that you should be eating turmeric for its multiple benefits, but struggle to find ways to incorporate it into your diet?
Problem solved!
Did you know there are more than five thousand articles have been published in the medical literature about curcumin, the principal curcuminoid of turmeric? I know! Well researched indeed.
Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory and there is evidence suggesting turmeric can be protective against cancer, and effective in treating osteoarthritis and other inflammatory conditions, such as lupus and inflammatory bowel disease. It increases the antioxidant capacity of the body, improves brain function, lowers your risk of heart disease and is beneficial against depression. Impressive ha? I made this salad over the weekend and it got such rave reviews at the BBQ we hosted that I knew I had to share it with you all!
Easy and quick to put together, but impressive to the eye and packed full of antioxidant goodness, this is even better eaten the day after once all the flavours have had time to meld together and the raisins time to plump up. Go give it a go, get your daily dose of turmeric and tickle your taste buds at the same time!
Salad
400 g tin of brown lentils
1/4 cup raisins (or chopped Medjool dates)
1 head cauliflower
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 tsp ground turmeric
1/4 tsp sea salt
1 handful chopped fresh parsley (or a handful of baby spinach)
Dressing
2 Tbsp tahini
1 Tbsp maple syrup
1 Tbsp grated, fresh ginger
1 Tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Directions:
Preheat oven to 180 degress and chop up the cauliflower into florets.
Spread the florets out evenly on a baking tray then sprinkle with turmeric and salt.
Transfer to the oven for 15-20 mins, until nicely browned and soft to the bite.
In a small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients.
Drain and rinse the lentils and then in a large bowl, combine roasted cauliflower, lenils, raisins and parsley.
Drizzle dressing over and lightly toss (not too much or you'll crush the lentils!).
Enjoy this salad by itself or alongside your favourite protein. This salad is great made the day before and keeps beautifully.
