Ginger-riffic!

Training:

While last night's yoga class was all about strength, stretching and calmness, this morning's spin class was all  about energy! 45 minutes with an amazing instructor, hard "hills" and crazy "speed" work - and I was one happy (yet sweaty) girl when I left the gym.

The day progressed well and I may have even made a slight dent in my 'in-tray' as a result. I do, however, see some long days in the office in the not too distant future, hence why morning workouts are a must for me at the moment. Exercise = stress relief!

I actually had an interesting lunch break today. Our boss arranged for health tests for those employees who wanted them and I figured 'why not?'

I had a bone density test which confirmed that my bone density is A-OK for my age group, although I could include a little more calcium in my diet. I also learned that tahini is a fantastic source of calcium - so bring on the homemade hummus I say!

I also had an iridology consultation which revealed an "autonomic nerve wreath". Translation: my head rules my body and I need to learn to relax. Hmm and what was I saying just the other week about having trouble switching my mind off???  Hehe it seems even my eyes give me away!

Oooh and I should mention that the consultation finished with a 15 minute massage. Yes - you heard correct. Free 15 minute massage at work = BLISS.

In a perfect world wouldn’t every day include a massage? Even if it was only for 15 minutes to target the tight neck and shoulders (which is apparently an inevitable symptom of spending too much time sitting at a desk). I can dream I suppose...or start buying more lottery tickets so as to fund the daily massage....

Dinner

Tonight I was both hungry AND excited by the chosen Mystery Box  ingredient / recipe, so I set about making dinner as soon as I got home.

The chosen ingredient....

    

Ginger!

Did you know? Ginger is a tuber, or rather, the rhizome of the plant Zingiber officinale. Aside from being beautifully aromatic and spicy, ginger is also widely known for healing benefits including relieving stomach upsets and nausea. Due to its promotion of mucus secretion, ginger can also protect against the development of stomach ulcers.

While I am not a fan of a lot of ginger in cooking, I do believe that it adds a wonderful rich aroma and flavour to certain dishes.

With that in mind, I decided to make a Lentil and Ginger Curry for dinner.

 

Served with a baked sweet potato.

 

And topped with sliced almonds.

I really enjoyed the flavour of the ginger in this dish. It was present, without being overpowering, just the way I like it!

Another warming dish for this never-ending Winter!

Lentil and Ginger Curry (serves 4)

(adapted from here).

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, finely chopped
• 1/4 pumpkin, finely chopped
• 1 tbs grated ginger
• 1tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 2 x 400g cans lentils, drained and rinsed*
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup light coconut milk
• 3 large handfuls of baby spinach
• 1 tablespoon sliced almonds

Method

1. Heat oil in a large pan.
2. Add onion, pumpkin  and carrots and cook for 10 minutes to soften slightly.
3. Add ginger, spices and lentils and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add water and coconut milk. Cover and bring to the boil.
5. Simmer until thickened.
6. Add spinach and stir until thickened.
7. Serve with rice or baked sweet potato and top with sliced almonds.

* I cheated and used canned lentils but you could also used dried lentils and simmer the curry for longer until the lentils are soft.

How about you? How do you like to use ginger in cooking?

Happy Baking :)