Key Takeaways
  • The combination of turmeric (ukon) and ginger can be expected to have anti-inflammatory effects and warm the body.
  • Using good quality fats like ghee and MCT oil enhances the absorption of turmeric's active ingredients.
  • Easy to make in the oven. Choosing vegetables with similar cooking times will result in a beautiful finish.
  • Easily customizable; if you replace chicken with thick-cut firm tofu or chickpeas, it can be made vegetarian.

Turmeric Ginger Chicken and Roasted Vegetables — A Warm and Nutritious Dish

Turmeric and ginger are a great match, both said to warm the body and contribute to anti-inflammatory effects. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts contain vitamin C, dietary fiber, and iron, while chicken breast is a good source of quality protein. Simply baking it slowly in the oven completes a main dish that is easily nutritionally balanced. When we actually tried it, adding a little more ginger was particularly popular for warming up in winter.

Ingredients (2-3 servings)

  • Chicken breast 250g (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • Broccoli 1 head (separated into florets)
  • Brussels sprouts 8 pieces (cut in half)
  • Ghee 2 tbsp (alternative: olive oil can also be used)
  • Ginger 1 piece (minced, can be increased to taste)
  • Turmeric 2 tsp
  • Lemongrass 1 stalk (if not available, lemon zest or 1 tsp lemon juice)
  • MCT oil 1 tbsp (for finishing, if concerned about taste, use olive oil)
  • Sea salt 1-1.2 tsp, Black pepper appropriate amount (to taste)

Instructions (Easy with the oven)

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C.
  2. Lightly season chicken breast with salt.
  3. In an oven-safe dish, combine ghee, ginger, turmeric, and chopped lemongrass (or alternative lemon) and mix.
  4. Add chicken, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts to step 3 and mix well. The key is to coat evenly.
  5. Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes. Check on the vegetables and chicken midway; if they start to brown too much, cover with aluminum foil.
  6. Once baked, drizzle with MCT oil, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Squeeze lemon juice to taste for a refreshing flavor.

Baking Time and Finishing Tips

Baking time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken and oven performance. If the chicken breast is thick, remove it once to check the internal temperature, or adjust to 160-165°C to ensure it's cooked through. Using ghee enhances the aroma, and drizzling MCT oil afterwards helps preserve its flavor. Adding a little black pepper is also said to aid in turmeric absorption, so we recommend it.

Health Benefits and Variations of This Dish

Curcumin in turmeric is expected to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, while ginger is known to promote blood circulation and regulate stomach and intestinal function. Furthermore, consuming good quality fats like ghee and MCT oil together has the advantage of improving the absorption of fat-soluble components. Broccoli is rich in vitamin C and dietary fiber, and Brussels sprouts also contain antioxidants.

Variations

  • For a vegetarian option, replacing chicken with thick-cut firm tofu or chickpeas will be satisfying.
  • If you want it spicier, adding a small amount of cumin or coriander will give it an ethnic flair.
  • If lemongrass is unavailable, lemon zest + a small amount of lime can be used as a substitute.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

It can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. When eating, reheating in the oven or toaster will restore its aroma. It's also possible to freeze, but since the texture of vegetables tends to change, it's best to freeze only the chicken and combine it with fresh vegetables just before eating.

Summary

Turmeric and ginger-infused chicken and roasted vegetables are a simple, nutritionally balanced dish that is easy to incorporate into daily meals. When we tried it, adding a little more ginger warmed the body from within, making it a valuable dish for winter. Using ghee and MCT oil also enhances flavor and absorption, so please adjust according to your preference and physical condition.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any health-related decisions.