March is National Nutrition Month and in honor of celebrating nutrition and dietitians I am going to tell
you about one of my favorite things that I use every day…turmeric!

Ever wonder what makes Indian curry have such a vibrant color? It is due to a spice called turmeric
which is part of the ginger family. There have been many studies conducted on the anti-inflammatory
properties and other health benefits of this spice. Benefits may include improving arthritis, reducing
the risk of Alzheimers disease, and cancer prevention. Curcumin, which is the main active ingredient in
turmeric has been shown to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal,
and anticancer activities. It can also reduce the amount of carcinogenic compounds that are formed
when meats are barbecued, boiled or fried by up to 40%. I have been putting turmeric in mostly all of my
prepared meals including eggs, rice, vegetable dishes and dressings. When mixed with food, the taste is
very mild so can be added to practically anything, and the benefits are outstanding!

Black Bean Quinoa Burgers

Ingredients:                                                                                                 

1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained

1/4 cup quinoa

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup bread crumbs

1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, minced

1/4 cup onion, minced

1 large clove garlic, minced

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (such as Tapatio)

1 egg

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Extra-virgin coconut oil

Directions:

1.  Bring the quinoa and water to a boil in saucepan. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender and the water has been absorbed, about 15 minutes

2. Roughly mash the black beans with a fork leaving some whole black beans in a paste-like mixture

3. Mix the quinoa, bread crumbs, bell pepper, onion, garlic, cumin, salt, hot pepper sauce, egg, and cayenne pepper into the black beans with your hands

4. Form the mixture into 5-6 patties; heat the oil in a large skillet

5. Cook the patties in the hot oil until heated through, 2-3 minutes per side

Sweet Potato Fries

1.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

2. Cut up sweet potatoes and mix with 1 tablespoon olive oil and any herbs you desire (I like pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper and a pinch of salt)

3. Cook for about 20 minutes, or until desired crispiness