Turmeric is beyond a superfood. It’s been known to decrease the risk of serious diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and some types of cancer. But if you’re more interested in short term benefits, this spice is an anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant. If that’s not enough for you, it also helps with arthritis, cystic fibrosis, and toothache. Some consider it to be the healthiest food in the world. Its nutritional benefits go on forever so you should probably start incorporating it into your diet.
1. Curry
Photo of Alexander Fiore
Curry is a traditional Indian dish so it makes sense to use this classic Indian spice. Turmeric is actually one of the spices in curry powder. If you’re trying turmeric for the first time, try it in a curry where the flavour will feel natural.
2. Chicken Seasoning
Photo by Sandy Huang
Incorporate the spice into your chicken seasoning before throwing it on the grill. If chicken’s not your thing, use it to add a punch of flavour to your meat of choice. Pair it with cumin, paprika, and allspice for a really flavourful dinner.
3. Iced Tea or Ice Cubes
Photo by Elyse Belarge
To cool off in the summer you can try mixing up a turmeric iced tea or even making turmeric ice cubes. They’re easy to make and once the tray is ready you’ll be able to get your turmeric fill instantly. Just pop them in your water and go.
4. Latte
Photo by Christine Chang
This special latte is called Golden Milk because of the orange flavour the turmeric creates. Combined with milk, ginger, honey, and cayenne, turmeric’s immune-boosting qualities will help you conquer any cold. This Golden Milk recipe will guide you through the steps.
5. Eggs
Photo by Stephanie DeVaux
Change up your boring old scrambled eggs with a pinch of turmeric. You can add in any other spices you’d like, I suggest black pepper, and you’ll instantly step up you breakfast. This Indian inspired dish is exactly what you need to wake up in the morning.
6. Soup
Photo by Viola Spahiu
This vegan carrot soup recipe incorporates turmeric, curry powder, and cayenne pepper to give it that little bit of spice you need on a winter night. It also ties in some of the other flavours that pair well with turmeric such as ginger and coconut milk.
7. Mustard
Photo by Bernard Wen
Ever wonder where mustard gets its vibrant colour? You guessed it. This spice is often the cause of mustard’s yellow colour, even in the cheapest of brands. So consider skipping the ketchup and going straight for the mustard at the next summer BBQ.
8. Veggies
Photo by Rachel Cali and Sarah Cali
Fall vegetables like squash, pumpkins, and carrots go perfectly with turmeric and not just because they’re all orange. It’s a fun way to elevate root vegetable and set them apart from every other dinner side dish.
9. Smoothie
Photo by Christin Urso
This spice can add a lot of nutrients without adding too much flavour if you use the right amount. So, if you’re not digging to taste of this spice then blend it up with some flavours you do like. This recipe uses carrot, lemon, ginger, pineapple, and banana, each of which have their own major health benefits.
10. Juice
Photo by Anna Hsu
If juice is more up your alley, that’s not a problem. All of the ingredients from the smoothie can be put in the juicer instead of the blender and made into a refreshing juice.
11. Pancakes
Photo by Kendra Valkema
For a nice, warm breakfast on a fall morning, try these turmeric, pumpkin, and cinnamon pancakes. Not only do the spices complement each other, but the turmeric creates a beautiful orange colour that’ll scream fall.
12. Salad Dressing
Photo by Kendra Valkema
Turmeric will make this healthy lunch option even healthier by contributing its wonderful healing powers. Keep it simple with lemon, honey, olive oil and maybe even some ginger. Ginger and turmeric come from the same family, so naturally, they taste great together.
13. Rice
Photo by Antonia Drummond
Turmeric’s beautiful Indian flavours make for a delicious rice dish. Again, you can add any of those flavours that compliment turmeric and then add in the vegetables and meat of your choice. This vibrant orange rice dish will add a healthy component to your dinner.
14. Oatmeal
Photo by Genevieve Gresser
This savory oatmeal can be breakfast, lunch or dinner. Cook the oatmeal in coconut milk and then add in any spices you’d like (including turmeric). You can add vegetables and even meat if you crave more protein.
15. Chickpea snacks
Photo by Kristine Mahan
Snacking on chickpeas is very in right now and for good reasons. They’re healthy, easy to make and satisfying. These ones incorporate turmeric, paprika, and black pepper to make for a high-protein, nutrient packed snack that takes less than an hour to make.
16. Water
Photo by Caroline Liu
If you don’t wanna get all fancy with turmeric, just put it in your water with a slice of lemon. This detox water will have your mind, immune system, and body thanking you. It’ll wake you up and have you feeling better than a morning cup of coffee.
17. Shots!
Photo by Genevieve Gresser
If you want to get even simpler, just take a shot of lemon juice, turmeric and ginger. Heck, take two.
Graphic by Spoon University