Ant-Inflammatory Sweet Potato, Spinach and Chickpea Curry

I’m always on the look-out for not only healthy recipes, but anti-inflammatory ones too! Why? because the more anti-inflammatory I can eat and the more I can cut out highly processed foods, the better my health as well as my bone and joint health.

Yep. I’m realising that what I eat has a huge impact on not only my health but also my bone, joint, muscle and spinal health.

When I was in my 20’s and 30’s joint and spinal health was as far from my mind as staying up all night and going clubbing is on my mind now. It’s not!!

Plus both Kris (my partner) and I have have a few kilo’s that we could do with loosing (sigh! They were right about easy to put on but hard to get off)

So, hence my quest for healthy food ideas.

This particular recipe I found on A Pinch of Yum’s site, however I made quite a few changes to it such as adding chickpeas, onion instead of shallots (only because I never had any) I added more curry paste and more coconut milk as I wanted to make a bigger batch. I also left out the cilantro.

Anyway, it looked easy and tasty, healthy and anti-inflammatory. Ticks all my boxes:)

Coconut Milk -

Is a great alternative to milk and cream. Coconut oil contains MCT Medium Chain Triclicerides Research has found that consuming more MCT’s may boost the body’s metabolism therefore leading to potential weight loss (4).

Curry Paste

Usually contains anti-inflammatory ingredients such as tumeric, coriander, chili, lemongrass, garlic, cumin or basil. Some other ingredients that are occasionally added, depending on the specific recipe, are fennel seeds, ginger, garlic, cinnamon, or mustard seeds, all of which have individual health benefits (5).

Sweet Potatoes

Are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They are also high in fiber, vitamins and minerals and may also benefit gut health, brain function, vision as well as building and strengthening our immune system (2).

Spinach-

Who would have thought I’d be loving spinach in my 40’s. I’m finding i can’t get enough of it plus its a super food and loaded with tons of nutrients that are important for skin, hair and bone health (1)

Chickpeas-

Are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, fiber and protein making them an excellent replacement for meat if you are vegetarian (3)

INGREDIENTS

1 tbsp oil

1/2 cup water

1 onion chopped

2 sweet potatoes

1 small jar Thai red curry paste (I used Mild)

1 can coconut milk

1 can coconut cream

3-4 cups baby spinach (it wilts and reduces so don’t be afraid to add more if needed)

1/2 cup crushed peanuts

1 cup basmati rice

Salt to tase

2 tblsp fish sauce

1 can chickpeas

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Put rice on to cook- this way everything will be ready to serve around the same time.

2. Chop onion and lightly saute

3. Add diced sweet potato and mix to coat with oil. You may need to ad a little extra oil.

4. Add curry paste and mix well

5. Add coconut milk and cream and stir well to combine curry paste and coconut. Let simmer over medium heat for 15-20 mins.

6. Add spinach and stir until wilted

7. Stir through fish sauce and salt to taste.

8. 8. Serve over cooked rice and sprinkle crushed peanut on top.

   Happy curry making:)

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Notes:

• This recipe makes a rather large portion. There was enough for Kris and I for dinner (he had seconds) plus I have put another 3 bowls in the fridge for lunches throughout the week. If you’re not wanting to make such a big amount half the recipe:)

• This is an excellent recipe if you are vegetarian, vegan or just choosing to cut down on your meat intake.

• If you don’t like your curry too hot only add 1/2 - 3/4 of the jar

PIN IT!

ENJOY!

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Resources

1. Medical News Today, Health Benefits and Nutritional Value of Spinach, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270609#benefits

2. Health Line, 2019, 6 Surprising Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sweet-potato-benefits#section7

3. Web MD, ‘Health Benefits of Chickpeas’, https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/health-benefits-chickpeas

4. Health Line, 2018, ‘Coconut Milk: Health Benefits and Uses https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/coconut-milk

5. Organic Facts, 2020, ‘Top 7 Benefits of Curry Paste’. https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-curry-powder.html