Bread pudding is a dish that evokes a sense of comfort and home, its origins tracing back to the resourceful kitchens of generations past where no good food was ever wasted.

This particular recipe, a “Southern Style Turmeric Bread Pudding,” is a modern twist on a timeless classic, designed not just to comfort the soul but to nourish the body. 

Turmeric Bread Pudding Recipe

Vegan Southern Anti-Inflammatory Delight

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf (about 8 – 10 slices) of day-old wheat or other vegan bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 tablespoons cornstarch
• teaspoon baking powder
• 2 cups unsweetened plant-based milk (oat or coconut) work well)
• 1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup raisins
• 2 ripe peaches, peeled and diced
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 4 tablespoons vegan butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175∘C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, baking powder, plant-based milk, coconut milk, sugar, salt, turmeric, and cinnamon until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined. Stir in the vanilla or almond extract.
3. Add the bread cubes to the plant-based liquid mixture, pressing down gently to ensure all the bread is submerged. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, to allow the bread to fully absorb the liquid.
4. Gently fold in the raisins and diced peaches. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the melted vegan butter evenly over the top.
5. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A knife inserted into the middle should come out clean.
6. Let the pudding cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. It is delicious on its own or with a light drizzle of maple syrup.

Health and Happiness

By incorporating key ingredients known for their health benefits and adapting it to be entirely plant-based, this dish transforms from a simple dessert into a mindful indulgence. At the heart of this recipe’s unique character are two powerful spices: turmeric and cinnamon.

Turmeric, with its vibrant golden hue, contains a compound called curcumin, which has been studied for its potent anti-inflammatory properties. It adds a subtle, earthy warmth that complements the other flavors without overpowering them.

Cinnamon, another aromatic powerhouse, not only imparts a classic warmth and sweetness but also boasts its own anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. These spices, which are often overlooked in traditional baking, elevate this pudding beyond a mere treat.

Peaches and Cream

The choice of fruit also plays a crucial role in this recipe. While many bread puddings feature dried fruits, this one calls for fresh, diced peaches. Peaches provide a sweet, juicy burst in every bite, and they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, further contributing to the dish’s nourishing profile.

This is a deliberate departure from the standard, adding both textural contrast and a layer of wholesome goodness. The bread itself, whether it’s a simple sourdough or another dense vegan loaf, serves as the perfect canvas, its texture transforming from a crisp cube into a soft, custardy delight as it soaks in the luxurious plant-based liquid.

The conversion to a vegan pudding is made possible by a few thoughtful substitutions. The traditional egg and dairy custard is replaced with a rich blend of creamy oat milk and full-fat canned coconut milk, which delivers a luxurious mouthfeel similar to its dairy counterpart.

The cornstarch acts as a thickening and binding agent, providing the structure that eggs would normally offer. The natural sweetness from the raisins and peaches allows for a reduction in added sugar, making the pudding even more balanced and health-conscious. 

Finally, the generous splash of vanilla or almond extract ties all the flavors together, creating a complex and comforting aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes.

Our southern-style turmeric bread pudding is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the idea that food can be both delicious and deeply nourishing, marrying tradition with a modern, wellness-focused approach.

When the crowd gathers to watch the game, there’s a certain magic that happens when you bring out the chili. It’s a classic for a reason—it’s hearty, it’s comforting, and it’s built for sharing.

But what if you could make a chili that not only satisfies everyone’s taste buds but also has a subtle, secret ingredient that sets it apart? Enter this Gameday Golden Chili, a bowl of pure goodness that’s about to become your new football season staple.

Gameday Golden Chili Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs lean ground beef or turkey
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (15-ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• For the Spice Blend:
  • 4 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• For the Finishing Touch:
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (unsweetened)

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
2. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion and green bell pepper to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes, until they are soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add all the spices from the spice blend—chili powder, cumin, turmeric, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper—to the pot. Stir well and cook for 1-2 minutes until the spices are very fragrant. This step is key for “blooming” the spices and deepening the flavor.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release any flavorful browned bits. Add the drained and rinsed kidney and black beans.
5. Bring the chili to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
6. Just before serving, stir in the brown sugar and cocoa powder. These ingredients won’t make the chili sweet; instead, they add a rich depth and a subtle hint of molasses that balances the spices beautifully. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and tortilla chips.

First-Round Draft QB Kind of Chili

This isn’t just any chili. It’s built on a foundation of classic, robust flavors, but it has a secret weapon that you can feel good about adding: turmeric.

You might be used to seeing turmeric in curries or health-focused drinks, but its warm, earthy notes are surprisingly at home in a savory, smoky chili. When “bloomed” with the other spices at the beginning of the cooking process, turmeric’s flavor becomes a quiet but powerful background player, adding a rich, golden color and a depth that will have everyone asking for your secret.

It’s also a nice bonus to know you’re sneaking in a powerful anti-inflammatory spice into a traditional gameday indulgence.

The true genius of this recipe lies in its simple additions that make a world of difference. The combination of smoked paprika and a touch of unsweetened cocoa powder creates a deep, complex flavor profile that will make your chili taste like it’s been simmering all day long. The brown sugar balances the acidity from the tomatoes, ensuring every spoonful is perfectly savory. This chili is designed to be the star of your football watch party.

Huddle Up Around the Heat

This chili is also incredibly versatile. You can make it as spicy or mild as you’d like by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper. It’s perfect for a large crowd and can even be prepared a day in advance, as the flavors only get better overnight.

If you’re like me, you love spicy food for more than just the flavor. It’s a very tangible sensation you feel, which is derived from the capsaicin in the peppers.

So whether you’re hosting a big gathering or just enjoying the game with a few friends, this Gameday Golden Chili is ready to take the field.

And for all the anti-inflammatory and metabolic benefits of turmeric and red pepper on the go, check out Smartilage’s advanced 17-in-1 vitality formula.