Sweet & Sour Veggies w/ turnips

In winter the cells of our skin and muscles naturally contract
to preserve and produce warmth and circulation. To stay warm, we spend more time indoors and eat warming foods, including spices and meats. Our bodies can accumulate too much heat, which, paradoxically, can turn into colds and coughs.

Chinese Medicine prescribes eating turnips to clear excess static heat, remove heat toxins, clear digestive stagnation, remove accumulated phlegm, and stimulate body fluids. The cooling effect is especially beneficial to the respiratory, immune and digestive functions and results in an increase in Qi and blood circulation.  Chinese medicine wisdom has a saying, “Winter eat turnip, summer eat ginger to need not doctor’s prescription”.  This is just one of 10+ recipes you’ll receive in the Modern Medicine 21-Day Detox.

Sweet & Sour Veggies with turnips

2 c. raw turnips, diced
1 c. raw parsnip, diced
1 c. raw sweet potato, diced
1 c. raw carrots, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 T. extra-virgin olive oil
3 T. chopped fresh rosemary
2 tsp. turmeric
2 tsp. arrowroot dissolved in 1 Tbs. water (substitute: cornstarch)
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
4 T. maple syrup
4 T. balsamic vinegar
1/2 c. vegetable broth

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. Toss vegetables with oil, rosemary, salt and pepper, turmeric, then spread on a shallow baking pan. Bake 40 minutes or until tender, stirring once or twice.
3. Meanwhile, combine syrup, vinegar and broth in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil. Add dissolved arrowroot, then simmer vigorously until reduced, about 5 minutes.
4. Drizzle over vegetables in oven and bake for 5 minutes. Remove and put in a bowl; stir and serve.
Options:  add lamb, an excellent addition

Sweet potato:  beneficial for digestion, spleen, moistens joints, helps clear constipation.

Gloria Gonzalez, LMT SEP, is CCO/Founder of Eight Elements West, an Institute for Somatic Training and Integrative Wellness dedicated to elevating the human experience through Somatic Movement, Seasonal Nutrition, and Eastern Medicine.  Click  for nutrition/somatic therapy info:  21-Day Modern Medicine Detox,  Somatic Experiencing and shamanic Soul Retrieval.