There are several ways to enjoy Ceylon cinnamon and its many benefits. Below are the Ceylon cinnamon recipes that I personally enjoy. Note that my taste may be different from yours, so please feel free to adjust and be creative.
Additionally, all health claims are only based on Internet research and publicly available information. I am not a doctor or a medical practitioner, so please consult your doctor for any health concerns. If you have an allergic reaction to Ceylon cinnamon, please do not take it.
How to use Ceylon Cinnamon:
- Brew (into tea or with coffee)
- Bake (rolls, bread, cakes, cookies)
- Dishes (stews and soups)
- Toppings (coffee, fruits, toasts, oats/porridge, pancakes)
- Drinks (horchata, eggnog, cocktails)
- Smoothies (milkshakes, fruit, green/vegan)
HORCHATA
A traditional Mexican sweet creamy beverage, made with rice, Ceylon cinnamon, water, milk, almonds, and vanilla. If you are hoping to impress your guests with a unique glass of healthy drink, this will not fail you. However, it takes some effort and a lot of time.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked and rinsed)
- 3 cups of water
- 2 cups of unsweetened Almond milk (or any milk substitute that you prefer)
- 1 tbsp Ceylon cinnamon powder
- 4 tbsp Honey (pure and authentic)
- 1 tbsp Vanilla
Optional:
- 2 tbsp Sugar (or any sugar substitute that you prefer – we use erythritol)
- 2-3 pcs of dates and/or 1 tbsp of blanched almond slices
- Some replace almond milk with condensed milk or coconut milk
Steps:
- Rinse 1 cup of rice and add to blender along with 3 cups of water. Blend for 3-5 minutes until well-blended.
- Transfer to a closed container and soak for at least 5 hours (or overnight).
- Strain the water using a fine mesh or cheesecloth. Throw away the rice grains/bits.
- In a blender, add the rice water blend, 2 cups of almond milk, 1 tbsp Ceylon cinnamon powder, 4 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp vanilla, and optional 2 tbsp sugar or sugar substitute of your choice. You can also add blanched cinnamon slices and/or pitted dates to add flavor.
- For a sweeter blend, replace almond milk with condensed milk.
- Topped with a dash of Ceylon cinnamon powder (only buy the authentic one > G2G Fit). Add cold-brew coffee if you prefer.
- Serves 3-4 ice-filled glasses
- Enjoy!
Horchata is best paired with spicy foods, but it really goes well with any food. It is very popular during the summer months in Latin America. In some areas, it is used to make cocktail drinks. A Spanish version uses tiger nuts instead of rice.
Ceylon Cinnamon Tea
The most basic but most popular recipe on this list. Ceylon cinnamon tea is a powerful yet simple beverage that can be added with different teas and flavors. This recipe will only use Ceylon cinnamon because Cassia-type cinnamon may harm your liver if you take it in large amounts (1 tsp or more) and consumed it every day. Also, the chemicals in Cassia cinnamon are also considered carcinogenic (cancer-trigger). Please only use authentic Ceylon Cinnamon sticks (G2G Fit).
Ingredients:
- 1 stick Ceylon cinnamon
- 2.5 cups of water
Optional
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 teabag of your favorite tea (mine is either spearmint or hibiscus)
- 2 slices of ginger and/or a pinch of nutmeg powder
- 6 thin slices of apple
How To:
- Firstly, break the sticks into smaller pieces
- Secondly, boil the Ceylon cinnamon sticks in a pot with 2 cups of water.
- (As per preference) Boil together with ginger and/or a pinch of nutmeg powder. You can also add apple slices, especially for a warm evening drink.
- Finally, after 10-15 minutes, turn off the heat/fire
Optional:
- Add a teabag of your favorite tea and steep for 5 minutes
- You can also add honey to taste.
- Enjoy 2 cups of warming and soothing Ceylon cinnamon tea.
- It can also be enjoyed with lemon (or a different citrus fruit), which is popular for dieters aiming to lose weight. It can be added to coffee and/or milk.
Ceylon cinnamon tea has so many benefits. First, it can be a coffee substitute if you are trying to minimize caffeine intake. Second, it has health benefits related to blood sugar balance, infection relief, and the potential for memory support. Lastly, it is very easy to make and add to your diet. It really blends well with other teas and recipes.
Cinnamon-Spiced Morrocan Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 tbsp Ceylon Cinnamon
- 1/2 tbsp Cumin Powder
- 1/2 tbsp Ginger powder
- 1/4 tbsp Cayenne Powder
- 1/4 tbsp Salt
- 2 pcs boneless chicken breast
- 1/2 cup water (or chicken broth)
- 1/4 cup toasted sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup apple slices or pitted dates
How To:
- Put together the spices and flour in a bowl. Coat all sides of the chicken.
- Heat oil in a pan or skillet. Cook chicken for 5-8 minutes on each side (until no longer pink inside)
- Remove oil and debris from the pan, then add 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth. If using water, add at least half of 1/2 chicken bouillon/broth cube.
- Then, bring to boil and add the pieces of apples and/or dates.
- Lastly, reduce to low heat for 5-7 minutes.
Can be served and enjoyed by 1-2 persons. You may wish to double the recipe to increase servings to 4 people.
Kota Kapama (Chicken Ceylon Cinnamon Stew)
A greek recipe with a blend of healthy spices. This braised chicken stew is often eaten with egg noodles or pasta. Being tomato-based and often served with cheese, it resembles a typical spaghetti sauce. Nonetheless, the unique blend of cinnamon and garlic makes this dish so fragrant and appetizing.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of chicken (preferably boneless thighs)
- Salt and pepper
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 white/yellow onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can diced tomato
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup water
Optional (toppings)
- 2 pcs clove whole or a pinch of clove powder
- 1 bay leaf
- a pinch of nutmeg powder
- 1 tbsp parsley
- grated cheese
How to:
- Start by cleaning chicken meat and making small cuts on the chicken’s surface. Rub the chicken meat with salt, pepper, and cinnamon powder. Leave for 15 minutes. Set aside excess spices.
- Nest, heat the pan, and melt butter. Add olive oil and braise the chicken (skin part) for 10-15 minutes on low heat. Cover. Next, flip over and braise the skinless side for another 5 minutes. Set aside and remove from oil/heat.
- Brown the minced garlic on leftover oil/butter.
- Add 1/4 cup water, 1 pc cinnamon stick and 1 can diced tomato into the pan. When it boils, add the excess spices (from step 1) as well as optional spices like cloves and nutmeg. Then add 1 tbsp tomato paste. Stir well until thoroughly mixed.
- Add the chicken pieces back. Cover with lid and simmer over low heat for 20-30 minutes. Add water occasionally when stirring. Flip and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Serve to 2-3 people. Top with cheese.
Some recipes add a squeeze of lemon or lime. Others add 1 tsp of sugar or honey. You can also add more water if you wish for a thinner consistency. Certainly, this dish is unforgettable because of the overflowing flavor in every bite.
