Easy, simple turmeric recipes, that go beyond the typical curry. These delicious turmeric recipes range from sweet and savory to vegan: from samosas to curries, baked potatoes and tarts!
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What is Turmeric?
Turmeric is a member of the ginger family, and one of the most popular spices in South East Asia. Like ginger, it is a root. Turmeric has an earthy, warm and peppery taste, and turns dishes naturally golden.
Some people call it Indian saffron (click through to find out why.)
You may find it in Madras Curry Powder as well as dishes such as Turmeric Potatoes, Turmeric Latte, and Turmeric Ginger Tea. It's even used in Japanese curry rice (Golden Curry)!
Note: Watch out that it doesn't stain your clothes- wearing anything white and working with this rhizome is a huge no-no, unless you want to turn your white clothing yellow! (It is used as a natural dye in some parts of the world.)
Health Benefits
Turmeric is a warming spice that has been part of traditional Ayurvedic Medicine for a long time.
It has many health claims and purported medicinal properties, such as its anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to its curcumin content. Curcumin is an anti-oxidant that has been shown to prevent heart disease in rat by reducing clogged arteries.
However, more research needs to be done before we can confirm the health benefits of turmeric on humans' immune systems.
Do note that not everyone is suited for taking turmeric, especially if you're on certain types of medications. Always check with a medical professional if in doubt.
If you've run out of turmeric, you can substitute with curry powder or 1 of these best turmeric substitutes!
Fun fact: it is used in some versions of Chinese 5 spice blend powder. Scroll down for more dried and fresh turmeric recipes!
Where to Buy
You can find turmeric in fresh, dried or paste form, although ground, dried turmeric powder is the most commonly available outside of Asia. (You can find it in the spice aisle of most supermarkets or health shops.)
For fresh turmeric root, check out your nearest Asian grocery store as turmeric is a staple in South East Asian and Indian cooking, such as in these vegetarian South Indian recipes.
Note: For other recipes made with edible Asian herbs and veggies, such as kaffir lime leaf, curry leaves and lemongrass, click here.
Expert Tips
Tip #1: The flavour of turmeric is quite strong, so start with a small amount and increase as you become more confident cooking with turmeric. You can add a bit to almost any soup or smoothie, and it'll give it a nice golden hue. (Too much will turn the peppery flavor into a bitter taste.)
Tip #2: An easy way to include turmeric into your diet is to add a little to soups or tea, such as with this turmeric ginger cinnamon tea. (A teaspoon of turmeric powder goes much further than a teaspoon of fresh grated turmeric, so you can't substitute in a 1:1 ratio.)
Tip #3: Adding a pinch of turmeric to golden foods makes them look even more delicious. In fact, turmeric is added to yellow mustard to give it its bright yellow color.
Tip #4: The easiest and most cost-effective way (i.e. you don't waste too much of the good stuff) to peel off the skin is to use the back of a spoon, much like you do with ginger.
Tip #5: Flavors and aromatic spices that go particularly well with turmeric include: fresh ginger, black pepper, cinnamon stick, lemon juice, coconut oil etc
FAQs
Store fresh root in a cool and dark place. If you've cut into it, you can wrap the unused portion with clingfilm then keep it in the chiller for about a week. Toss if you see mold!
Ground turmeric powder can last for a few years if stored properly. Generally, dried spices don't go bad but they do lose their flavor and aroma with time.
Carbs
Roast Spiced Potatoes
The turmeric gives these roast potatoes a lovely vibrant color.
Turmeric Rice
Add some turmeric and chicken broth to your cooker the next time you cook white rice. You'll be surprised by how delicious a simple basmati rice dish can be! You can also add coconut milk if you want something richer.
Variation: If you have them, throw in some pandan, lemongrass, ginger, and a bay leaf to make nasi kunyit, a turmeric rice recipe that is popular in Southeast Asia (and replace the chicken stock with water.)
Note: I've not tried this recipe with brown rice or cauliflower rice, though it should work with both.
Instant Pot Rice
Rice Pilaf
Turmeric Pasta
If you're not sure whether you can substitute pasta with noodles, click here.
Soups
Corn Egg Drop Soup
Pumpkin Soup with Turmeric
Low Fat Seafood Soup
Meat
Black Pepper Turmeric Chicken
This turmeric roast chicken recipe is a great meal when you want something easy: you just rub the chicken with the spices, then pop it into the oven!
Salads
Turmeric sauce
Mix this sauce with some greens and leftover roast chicken for an easy honey turmeric chicken salad!
Moroccan Quinoa Salad
Curries
Assam Fish Coconut Curry
Basa Fish Curry
No Coconut Chicken Curry
Others
Samosas
Turmeric Eggs
Use coconut oil to scramble your eggs, then add a pinch of turmeric powder for a delicious twist on this traditional breakfast side dish!
Drinks
Turmeric Tea
For more warming Asian drink recipes, such as goji berry tea and jujube tea, click here.
Golden Milk Latte Spice
This spice mix makes a great Christmas homemade food gift as it makes it super easy to make Turmeric Milk!
Turmeric Latte
Ending the day with a Turmeric Latte, also known as Golden Latte, is a great way to relax before bed!
Make it coffee-house worthy by sprinkling cinnamon powder on top!
Vegan
Cauliflower Soup
Desserts
A pinch of turmeric powder is the perfect way to give vegan sweet treats the golden hue that usually comes from egg yolks! (It's also used in a vegan cheese recipe for the same reason.)
Lemon Tart
Egg Tarts
Easter Egg Dessert
Which of these simple turmeric recipes was your favourite? Let me know if you think I've missed out on something that absolutely should be included in this turmeric recipes round-up!
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