Ginger has been used since ancient times for its numerous health benefits that include aiding digestive disorders, easing pain, killing germs and is well-known as one of the best detoxifiers on the planet.
This fabulous spice should be considered a staple in anyone’s diet year round, but it’s an especially popular ingredient during the holidays, making now a good time to share a few healthy ginger recipes for your celebrations this year.
Butternut Squash Puree
This is a wonderful, easy-to-make side dish to serve during the holidays.
Ingredients:
- 1 medium Butternut Squash
- Pinch of organic sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons (or to taste) peeled and grated fresh, organic ginger
- 1 tablespoon (or just a small piece) of organic, real butter
Instructions:
Peel the butternut squash and cut into pieces. Boil it in a large pot with the pinch of sugar. When tender, strain and puree in a food processor. If you don’t have one, this can be accomplished by hand but takes quite a bit of effort.
Return the squash to the pot and place on the stove over medium heat. Add the ginger and butter until the squash begins to concentrate, resulting in the desired puree texture.
Gluten-Free Ginger Pancakes
Waking up on Christmas morning, or any other morning for that matter, to the smell of these fabulous ginger pancakes is enough to put anyone in the holiday spirit.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup almond flour
- 2 tablespoons coconut flour
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cloves
- ½ tablespoon fresh, organic ground ginger
- ½ tablespoon cinnamon
- ½ tablespoon nutmeg
- ¾ cup organic egg whites
- 2 tablespoons raw, organic honey
- ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Coconut oil for cooking
Instructions:
Heat griddle over medium-low heat. Combine dry ingredients in one bowl and the wet ingredients in another bowl. Whisk to mix well. Add coconut oil to your griddle or skillet before adding the batter. Use a one-quarter cup measuring cup to pour batter, spreading it thinly and evenly onto the griddle.
Flip after about 3 to 4 minutes, and then cook for another minute on the other side.
Orange and Ginger Glazed Carrots
This fantastic vegetable side dish is perfect for any holiday feast – and they’re so tasty you might even get finicky kids (or adults) to ask for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound organic carrots, peeled and sliced into ½” chunks
- 1 cup water
- Dash sea salt
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- Juice of one organic orange
- 2 tablespoons raw, organic honey
- ½ teaspoon of fresh, organic ground ginger
- Ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Add the carrots and salt to the water in a medium saucepan. Bring the water to boil and then reduce heat to medium-low, simmering for about 5 minutes or until the carrots start to soften.
Drain water and add the remaining ingredients to the saucepan. Stir to combine, sautéing for another 2 to 3 minutes, until carrots are tender and glaze has begun to thicken. Add a dash of black pepper and sea salt, if desired.
Ginger Tea Bread
This healthy, gluten-free bread has a cake-like texture with a tasty ginger kick.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup coconut flour
- 6 organic eggs
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup organic, real butter
- ⅓ cup coconut milk
- 3 teaspoons fresh, organic ground ginger
- ⅓ cup unsulphured blackstrap molasses
- 2 ginger tea bags
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat. Add the coconut milk and ginger tea bags; allow it to steep for 5 minutes while simmering, but not boiling. Set aside to cool. Sieve the coconut flour and ginger in a large mixing bowl; add salt. In another bowl, whisk the eggs and molasses together.
Gradually add the milk mixture, whisking continuously until it becomes smooth and creamy. Next, add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until a smooth batter forms. Pour the batter into a greased 9” x 5” loaf pan and bake for 20 minutes.
With all of these delicious, healthy options, you’ll want to be sure to add ginger to your grocery list this holiday season!
-The Alternative Daily
