Mediterranean turmeric rice salad

The bright cheerfulness and clean organization of this colorful salad are in contrast to the muddled state of my heart and mind lately, and that’s ok. At the same time, just looking at it—and certainly preparing it—has an uplifting effect. A tinge of guilt comes attached to that, and that’s ok, too. Recently, my college roommate Alexis posted a meme on her professional counseling page that struck me in the way the simple and seemingly obvious sometimes do. The gist was, feel your feelings. What does it say that this message would strike as surprising and refreshing?

I know you’re with me when I say that lately the turmoil of our world has caused a mire of conflicting emotions. My friend Sarah shared that, as a Japanese American, she has been trying to figure out her place in the social angst in the wake of racial upheaval catalyzed but certainly not begun by the death of George Floyd. It took her voicing it to make me realize just how much I too have been trying to figure out my place as a person of mixed race/Asian descent, not in terms of where I stand, but with regard to what form of support I have a right to. In my own experiences with prejudice and discrimination, I have accumulated layers of pain and hurt that are valid, but they are not the same. While I’ve been lucky to have found true acceptance among friends and loved ones in life, and hope to one day fully realize that from myself, I have never been comfortable claiming a fit when it comes to race. Is it fair to claim understanding? Empathy? Alignment?

Social platforms for taking a stand have been both extremely useful means of spreading momentum and unfortunate houses for people to—I think unintentionally—create podiums for themselves that can be lacking in sensitivity and purpose. Taking it all in, I’ve been trying to feel the feelings with honesty, and they’ve guided me to a revived period of checking out when it comes to most social media. Since #blackouttuesday, I’ve kept the virtual social connections to a minimum, and it’s felt good. I’ve been trying to stay informed quietly and focus on the meaningful things, even if some days, that’s just cooking.

Creating nourishment is the most purifying pastime sometimes, isn’t it? Choosing colors, sharing generously, enjoying the sensations. You can follow the steps or go a little wild and inventive, and still come out satisfied. Brimming with goodness, this combination of crunchy, tangy, and savory notes satisfies hearty appetites while leaving you feeling light and energized. Pairing aromatic turmeric rice with fresh vegetables, olives and chickpeas, it’s a healthy, easy, make-ahead meal that hits the spot for lunch or dinner.  Adding golden turmeric to your favorite rice goes well beyond adding warm depth of flavor, fragrant aroma, and bright color, too. An Ayurvedic staple, turmeric has been revered for its healing properties over the course of thousands of years. Known to be a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, turmeric’s benefits range from the mild to severe, encompassing support for healthy skin, hormonal irregularities, joint mobility, and much more. 

But back to cooking and cooking metaphors: always, you get some kind of clarity from the doing. With this turmeric rice, I’m reminded of the impact of adding a little spice. This week, it made me solidify the desire to commit to more meaningful action in the ways that resonate and sit right with me. I take pride in prioritizing joy, making the most of our family’s small moments, and choosing to live adventurously and healthfully. But when it comes to taking a stand for my beliefs, I will admit I can be a little bland, sensitive, and shy. If there’s a time to start making time to engage in peaceful, supportive protest, now seems to be a good one. Time to spice up the rice. At the very least with my vote. What are your ways of supporting progress for your dearest concerns, friends? What’s next in your action steps? Sending love.

Mediterranean Turmeric Rice Salad
Serves 4

Celebrate summer’s bounty with this beautiful, delicious salad! Brimming with goodness, the combination of crunchy, tangy, and savory notes satisfies hearty appetites while leaving you feeling light and energized. Pairing aromatic turmeric rice with fresh vegetables, olives and chickpeas, this healthy, easy, make ahead meal hits the spot for lunch or dinner.  

 Cooking up your favorite rice with our ORGANIC INDIA Turmeric Formula goes well beyond adding warm depth of flavor, fragrant aroma, and bright color. An Ayurvedic staple, turmeric has been revered for its healing properties over the course of thousands of years. Known to be a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, turmeric’s benefits range from the mild to severe, encompassing support for healthy skin, hormonal irregularities, joint mobility, and much more. 

FOR THE RICE:

• 1 ½ Cups long grain or basmati rice, rinsed 

• 1 small yellow onion, diced 

• 2 garlic cloves, minced 

• 1 ½ Teaspoons ORGANIC INDIA Turmeric Formula 

• 2 Cups low-sodium vegetable broth  

• 1 Cup water 

• 1 Tablespoon olive oil or ghee, optional 

For the dressing:

• ⅓ Cup olive oil 

• 3 Tablespoons raw apple cider vinegar

• 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon 

• ¼ Teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ Teaspoon Dijon mustard

• 1 Teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning

• Sea salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

• *Optional: 1 Teaspoon ORGANIC INDIA Vital Lift Fermented adaptogens 

FOR THE SALAD:

• 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 2 cups assorted greens

• ½ Cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved/sliced

• 1 English cucumber, halved lengthwise and chopped

• 1 Cup red bell pepper, sliced

• ¼ Cup red onion, thinly sliced

• Fresh parsley and basil, chopped, for garnish 

DIRECTIONS

1. Prepare the rice:  In a medium pot, combine the rice with the onion, garlic, 1 ½ Teaspoons ORGANIC INDIA Turmeric Formula, broth, water, and oil or ghee, if using. Cover and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, remove from heat and let sit while still covered, another 10 to 15 minutes before fluffing with a fork to serve.   

2. While rice is cooking, prepare the dressing: combine all dressing ingredients in a jar with a sealed lid. Shake until emulsified.

3. Assemble the salad: divide all ingredients into four bowls or assemble in one large serving bowl. Add dressing, toss, and serve.