This is a side dish to write home about. Zucchini cakes made with shredded squash, couscous and seasoned with turmeric for great flavor.

Do you use turmeric? I have on several recipes and I find the flavor to be delicate and full at the same time. That probably doesn’t make much sense, but allow me to explain. Turmeric gives foods an almost exotic flavor and I keep some in my pantry at all times. When Jiva gave me the opportunity to review their organic turmeric powder, I was jazzed. It took my shredded zucchini cake recipe to new heights.

The turmeric I received is a product of Jiva Organics, a small family owned company. About them from their Facebook page:

The word “Jiva” means life. At Jiva Organics, we are a small family business driven by care and respect for life – be it people or the environment around us. As a result, we source products that are completely natural, certified organic and grown with the underlying philosophy that promotes sustainability of Mother Earth for the present and future generations. Organic farms we work with are untouched by modern toxic inputs to produce pure and natural spices and grains of the highest quality, that result in delicious, healthy meals for you and your family. It’s a simple choice that makes a big difference.

The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Tumeric has been used for over 2500 years in India, where it is believed to be used as a dye at first. More on that in a minute.  So you ask, what are the benefits of Turmeric?  Well, there are may including support of healthy joint function and it helps aid in digestion. There are many benefits to this yellow spice aside from the fact it seasons food very well. Wikipedia says Turmeric grows wild in South and Southwest Asia. I’m guessing I won’t find fields of this here in Utah.

Since I love trying new things for my kitchen adventures, I used the organic turmeric in shredded zucchini cakes I had as a side with my dinner. I love zucchini and based this recipe off my spinach and rice cakes I made a few months back, only I did not use a muffin tin this time, I formed them into patties and cooked them stove top. Note: Turmeric was used as a dye and if you have a french manicure like I do, your white tips will get yellow. Not what you want to have happen with a brand new manicure. But, a little soft scrub with bleach and mine were good as new.

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Shredded Zucchini and Couscous Cakes

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Serves	4-6
Prep time	15 minutes
Cook time	10 minutes
Total time	25 minutes
Dietary	Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup dried couscous
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 clove garlic (chopped)
• 1 green onion (chopped)
• 2 Small zucchini (grated)
• 2 teaspoons Jiva Organic Turmeric Powder
• 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fat free plain yogurt (divided)
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh mint
• 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 1-2 tablespoon italian seasoned bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

Directions

Step 1

Bring water, butter and salt to a boil. Add couscous and cook until water is absorbed.

Step 2

I a medium skillet, add olive oil and garlic and cook until garlic is fragrant. Add the zucchini and onion, stirring for 3-4 minutes. Add in the quinoa then the turmeric and stir well. Remove from heat.

Step 3

Add mix to a small bowl then add the flour, parmesan and about 3/4 cup of the yogurt. If it seems they are too moist and will fall apart, add 1-2 tablespoons seasoned bread crumbs. Set aside to cool about 10 minutes.

Step 4

Form the mix into 4 to 6 equal patties (depending on how large you want them). Be sure to press everything together well so it does not fall apart.

Step 5

Rinse the skillet you used, then heat it up again on medium heat. Add 2 Tablespoons olive oil. Place the patties on the oil and cook about 3-5 minutes per side until golden. Take your remaining yogurt and mint and whisk together. Serve the patties with the minty yogurt sauce on top or just to the side.

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The organic turmeric has a fresher flavor then what you can find in the grocery store. I also found it to be a finer powder that mixed very well with my zucchini and couscous. Jiva really outdid themselves with this one and I’m ready to try their other seasonings, herbs and spices.

Want to try it for yourself? Jiva’s Turmeric Powder can be purchased exclusivly on Amazon. Head on over!

You can also find Jiva on Facebook and like their page. Stay up to date on the latest and greatest.
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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.