love to share a recipe that incorporates some great ingredients known to help with anxiety! Let's make a “Creamy Turmeric Chickpea Stew.” It's loaded with nutrients that can support a calm and balanced mood.
### Ingredients:
1. 1 tablespoon olive oil
2. 1 small onion, chopped
3. 3 cloves garlic, minced
4. 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
5. 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
6. 1 teaspoon ground cumin
7. 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
8. 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk (full fat for a creamier texture)
9. 2 cups vegetable broth
10. 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
11. 3 cups fresh spinach
12. Salt and pepper to taste
13. Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
### Instructions:
1. **Sauté the Base:**
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
2. **Add Aromatics:**
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Then add the turmeric and cumin, stirring well to coat the aromatics.
3. **Incorporate Chickpeas and Sweet Potato:**
Add the chickpeas and diced sweet potato to the pot, mixing them in with the spices and aromatics.
4. **Create the Stew:**
Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
5. **Add the Greens:**
Stir in the fresh spinach and continue to cook until it's wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Season the stew with salt and pepper to taste.
6. **Serve:**
Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
### Why This Recipe Helps:
- **Turmeric**: Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may help reduce anxiety symptoms.
- **Chickpeas**: Rich in magnesium, a mineral known for supporting brain health and regulating mood.
- **Sweet Potato**: Provides complex carbohydrates that help stabilize blood sugar, leading to more stable moods.
- **Spinach**: High in magnesium and folate, which are essential for proper brain function and mental health.
Give this recipe a try and see how it makes you feel! Remember, alongside a balanced diet, incorporating other self-care practices like meditation, exercise, and adequate sleep can also make a big difference in managing anxiety. Enjoy your cooking and take care!
