Cumin & Coriander - Dynamic Duo

Cumin & Coriander are the Peanut Butter & Jelly (I prefer Almond Butter & Rose Jam) of spices, they are each other’s BFFs. :) They go so well together, they compliment each other in cuisines around the world, Turkish, Lebanese, Cuban, Mexican and Indian. Cumin gives a musky perfume and coriander is more citrus-like, even a little dusty. I am in LOVE with Cumin… I love the taste and the smell, I add it to my soups, stews, steamed veggies, salads.. you name it I add Cumin to it. As far as Coriander goes, I only add it to my recipes when I remember or when the recipe calls for it, but now that I know they are match made in spice heaven I will be using them both on everything ;) Coriander is considered anti-diabetic as studies suggest of its ability to control blood sugar. It has also long been used for its anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and detoxifying power in eastern cultures. Other health benefits of Coriander include; - Protects against the Salmonella Bacteria - Aids in digestion and helps settle the stomach - Protects against urinary tract infections - Prevents nausea - Relieves intestinal gas - Lowers bad cholesterol (LDL) and raises good cholesterol (HDL) - A good source of Iron & Magnesium Unlike Coriander, Cumin is only used in seed (or ground). The cumin seed packs a major flavor punch and works really well with cinnamon, cayenne and ground herbs like oregano and thyme. Cumin is known as a good source of iron as well as a digestive aid. Other health benefits of cumin include; - Building healthy blood, it is an antidote for anemia - Strengthenin the immune system - Prenatal health – it is believed to make childbirth easier - Lactation – improves the milk supply of a nursing mother - Insomnia - Speed recovery from Amnesia - Digestive functions – it is believed to increase production of pancreatic enzymes and therefore aid digestion - Cold and respiratory ailments - Kidney health - Healthy metabolism – boosts the metabolic rate and facilitates the absorption of nutrients throughout the body. *-*-*-*-*-* After reading this I decided to use this Dynamic Duo with my new found food, Polenta for dinner Dynamic Duo Polenta with Fresh Tomato Salsa Ingredients: - 1 cup instant Polenta - 2/3 cup Black beans - 2/3 cup Pento beans - 1 tbsp Cumin - 1tbsp Coriander - 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper - Dash of salt - 1/2 cup Cheese (mexican or mazzarella) - Optional Cooking Direction: Serves 4 - Bring 3 cups of water to boil and add polenta, lower the heat and let simmer - Add all ingredients to the polenta and stir - Pour polenta in a baking dish and bake until golden on top *-*-*-*-*-*-* Fresh Tomato Salsa Ingredients - 2-3 med sized fresh tomatoes finely diced - 1/2 red onion, finely diced - 1 jalapeño chili pepper (stems, ribs, seeds removed), finely diced - Juice of one lime - 1/2 cup chopped cilantro - Salt and pepper to taste - Cumin to taste Directions: Combine all ingredients together, it is best to make this ahead for the flavors to combine. I put a dab of Greek Yogurt on top just because I love yogurt with spicy food and was craving steamed green beans :) so I had some of that as well. Verdict is that I enjoyed it... I enjoy the texture of Polenta.. and I thought it went well with the Salsa and greek yogurt. Gelareh