You know that turmeric is often used in Middle Eastern or Indian cuisine, but did you know it's easy to add to your own North American dishes too? I've rounded up 7 ways to add turmeric to your diet, including turmeric recipes for drinks, dinners, soup, and even breakfasts.
You're probably aware of the benefits of including turmeric in your meals. Food blogs and foodie magazines frequently tell us that it's an anti-inflammatory, powerful medicinal spice that has anti-oxidant properties as well.
Turmeric contains curcumin which has been linked to improved brain function. It may also lower our risk of heart disease and prevent, or even treat, cancer. Its vivid orange colour adds a beautiful warmth and deep hue to our meals, too.
Want to know more? You can read about the top 10 evidence based health benefits of turmeric in this article.
Finding more ways to include small amounts in your diet daily may seem challenging, but it's very easy, once you get started!
For example, add a little turmeric to your morning smoothie, or stir it into overnight oats. Use it as part of a rub for chicken dishes, or add a little to spice up your soup.
My favourite way? I like to add it to drinks. My recipe for Warm Turmeric Cinnamon Milk is mellow and comforting and it often helps me get back to sleep. In the afternoon, when my energy is low, a turmeric tonic made with coconut water, lemon, honey and ginger is just the pick-me-up I need to power through the rest of the day.
Read on for turmeric recipes and simple ways to add turmeric to your diet at home.
More turmeric recipe ideas
Once you start using turmeric, you'll find countless ways to add it to your diet. For example, try any of the following turmeric recipe ideas:
- Sprinkle a little on your eggs in the morning.
- Add it to your homemade salad dressings.
- Add it to cauliflower rice.
- Toss it on roasted cauliflower or other roasted veggies.
- Stir a little into your homemade hummus.
How to eliminate turmeric stains
Turmeric's bright orange colour is beautiful, but it will stain.
If you've discovered that it has stained your countertop or your blender container, there's a simple fix.
Rub the area with a small amount of vegetable oil, followed by a general scrub with your usual cleanser to remove the stain. When I make my turmeric tonic, I drink it with a straw to avoid discolouring my teeth!
Enjoy using these turmeric recipe ideas, knowing that you're incorporating this potent anti-inflammatory and mood-boosting spice into your daily diet!
Alexandra Thorpe says
I like to lose weight is it any good to use turmeric.
Flavour & Savour says
Hi Alexandra,
While there are many claims on the internet that turmeric can help with weight loss, I'm not a dietician and I can't advise you on your health concerns. However, in my experience, adding turmeric in recipes that are part of a balanced, clean-eating diet certainly can't hurt! Good luck with your weight loss!