Okay, okay, okay. It isn't actually magic, but it definitely feels like it. So don't get too eager about receiving your Hogwarts letter just yet. This is just good ole nutrition. (Although you might do well in Potions class.)
If you have ever:
- been hungover
- partied a little too hard
- had a stomach bug or the flu
- had surgery, or
- felt generally unwell
you need this recipe in your life. Although, if you can plan it in advance to have as a leftover, that might be ideal. While it is easy enough to make, sometimes you just don't want to cook when you feel like crud.
So why is it so magical?
There is something to be said about the healing properties of chicken broth. Think about it. Every time you got sick as a child, what did your parents give you? Chicken and noodle soup. The nutrients in the broth, while they may not actually heal you, they definitely make you feel better. The only thing that has ever compared to chicken soup when I'm ill is a bowl of hot beef pho. Bone broth for the win.
 |
| Image source: http://www.deeprootsathome.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/turmeric.jpg |
Another key ingredient here is a generous amount of turmeric. If you don't know about turmeric, learn about it. It is a root spice related to ginger and is native to southern Asia. That's right. Asia. We all know anything that comes from Asia might as well be infused with magic. Say what you want, but I hardcore believe in ancient medicine. Hence its incorporation into this recipe.
I won't get into all of the benefits of turmeric, but there is one that makes it such a big player in the healing process. As it turns out, turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory. That covers such a wide range of problems, why wouldn't you want to incorporate it into your daily diet? I just love the stuff so much I wish I could grow it.
The downside to turmeric is that it doesn't exactly absorb into the body very easily. This is where the black pepper comes in. I use more black pepper here than in any of my other recipes specifically to get as much benefit from the turmeric as possible.
And then of course you have a colorful mix of vegetables, the "super food" quinoa, and brown rice. You don't need to be reminded of the importance of those things. For the veggies, I usually use the frozen mixture of sweet peas, corn, green beans, and carrots, plus frozen broccoli florets. For the picture, I was out my normal stuff and used cauliflower, broccoli, and carrots.
With all those powers combined, you have what I like to call my Magic Healing Chicken. It's not just chicken, but turmeric chicken, quinoa, and veggies doesn't sound as fun.
So, without further ado, let's get cooking!
What you'll need:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, frozen
- 2 cups frozen mixed veggies
- 1 cup frozen broccoli florets
- 4 cups low sodium chicken stock
- 1/2 cup quinoa, uncooked
- 1/2 brown rice, uncooked
- 1 1/2 T ground turmeric
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup dried minced onions
- 1/2 tsp dill weed
- 1/2 tsp salt free Mrs. Dash
- a dash or two of Swampy's Bar-B-Q Rub (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- large drizzle of oil (I prefer avocado)
- salt to taste
What to do:
Put all of the ingredients in the pot. If everything is not covered with stock, add a little water until everything is submerged.
Bring to a low boil and cook for about 25 minutes. (If your chicken is thawed, check it after 15 minutes.)
In my experience, the chicken is always done before the rice. You'll need to remove the chicken once it's done and leave the pot to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Shred or cut chicken into bite sized pieces. When the rice is done, return chicken to the pot and combine all of the ingredients.
The mixture will be a little soupy, but will thicken as it sits. This makes reheating the leftovers insanely easy as it will not dry out.
Serve hot, alone or with crackers.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 30-35 minutes
Makes about 6 servings.
