What Is Medicinal Food? Learning Through Indian Cooking

In ancient India, people believed that food and nutrition were the cornerstone of good health. Healers and everyday people made sure their bodies were consuming and digesting foods properly, allowing them to keep their minds sharp, their bodies in good health, and lead happier lives. Indian spices were not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. Indians also put a large emphasis on the types of food they ate, making sure there was a balance between fermented, raw, and cooked foods. These traditions have lasted thousands of years, with people still actively practicing them today. 

At Schoolhouse, we love teaching our students our recipe for Chana Masala. This recipe highlights ingredients that help not only your hunger but also your heart, health, and nervous system. All of the spices originated over 5000 years ago across Asia. For many students, Indian flavors can feel unfamiliar, but cooking recipes from other cultures with your kids helps them understand the importance of ingredients and foods, and allows them to watch the process of combining flavors they are not familiar with.

Ginger is a great example of a food with medicinal properties. You can eat the root in foods like curry or soup, or drink it in teas or smoothies! Consuming ginger can help with nausea and indigestion. The next time you feel car sickness, try eating a ginger chew! Ginger also helps with treating and preventing sickness, this property is boosted when you eat ginger with garlic, like in our Chana Masala. 

Turmeric is a bright yellow powder derived from the root-like stem of a flowering plant. It stains very easily, and can be used to dye cloth or hair! Turmeric is great for helping your immune system and your stomach. It does not have a strong scent or taste on its own, but kids can dip their finger in to see how the powder naturally stains their skin. You may recognize turmeric from the trendy “golden milk” this drink has been used for centuries in India, and is referred to as haldi doodh (turmeric milk).

Chana Masala includes other medicinal spices such as coriander, black mustard, and cumin seeds. All three help with inflammation, lower blood sugar levels, and improve heart health. Each seed has a different shape, color, and smell. When cooking together, let your kids crush, touch, taste, and smell the spices! It is such a fun sensory experience. Coriander seeds are the seeds of cilantro, another ingredient in Chana Masala!

Indian foods and flavors can feel unfamiliar or confusing to children, but working together to understand each ingredient allows your child to see how and why Indian dishes come together. I’ve found that when students first start cooking Chana Masala at Schoolhouse they are nervous about the ginger, garlic, or onion, but once they see everything cooking together, and taste the medley of flavors, they understand the delicious and beneficial nature of Indian food. Cooking foods from other cultures together opens the door to kids trying and experimenting with new cuisines. 

Make this recipe at home, find our recipe here!

Blog written by: Zalia Maya, Schoolhouse Instructor