30+ Turmeric Recipes (To Eat and Drink)

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What is turmeric, why you should introduce it into your diet, and how to use turmeric root (fresh or dried) in 30+ turmeric recipes, including delicious drinks!

Two glasses with turmeric milk to showcase 30+ turmeric recipes

There are certain ingredients I HAVE to have on hand at all times. In terms of spices, these include homemade ginger powder, garlic, and turmeric! With a long list of health benefits and an even longer list of ways to enjoy turmeric in food and drinks (fresh or ground), this will quickly become a new kitchen favorite of yours!

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What Is Turmeric and Why Is It Good for You?

Turmeric root is native to India and Southeast Asia and comes from a flowering plant in the ginger family (which is why it looks so similar!). It has a vibrant orange-yellow color and has been used for centuries in fresh and powdered form as a natural dye, flavoring, and medicinal purposes – particularly in Ayurvedic medicine – due to its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties (among others).

Turmeric rhizomes

However, the many benefits of this root have made their way over Western countries, and in the last few years, it’s become increasingly popular in the UK, EU, and the US, thanks to viral recipes like golden lattes and golden milk. Luckily, which is not always the case with “trendy” ingredients, there is plenty of science to back up the validity of its health claims. So, what is turmeric good for?

Turmeric Health Benefits

There are potent compounds within the turmeric called curcuminoids, primarily “curcumin.” It is behind most of the health benefits of turmeric.

  • It’s a natural anti-inflammatory: it reduces the risk of several serious chronic health conditions, including heart disease, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, and cancer. Some studies found that turmeric can work as well as, if not better, than certain pharmaceuticals.
  • Antioxidant-rich and can increase the antioxidant capacity of our bodies: To neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative damage to the body.
  • Anti-cancer properties: A study shows it may even physically stunt the growth of cancerous cells and tumors.
  • Improved blood flow: It may help dilate blood vessels to increase flow and reduce blood pressure.
  • Improves brain health: Some studies have shown that curcumin may increase BDNF levels in the brain. These play an essential role in memory, learning, attention, and the health/life of neurons, and can decrease the risk of brain diseases.
  • It can regulate mood: A study comparing it with Prozac found it may boost the brain’s neurotransmitters, serotonin, and dopamine, which regulate mood.

More so, research has looked into the benefits of turmeric and curcumin regarding their antimicrobial benefits, pain relief, heart health, and blood pressure. In addition, other research shows it may boost our immune system and gut flora, reduce depression symptoms, and improve skin conditions and bone health!

It’s important to note that most studies focus on concentrated turmeric supplements (i.e., a powder, tablets, or turmeric extract) for targeted support. However, I always prefer to prioritize dietary nutrition before supplements.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Generally, you’re unlikely to consume enough to experience side effects from turmeric. However:

  • Use it sparingly, to begin with! A sudden increase (or general overconsumption) may cause stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting.
  • If you’re new to eating it, check with a doctor to ensure it doesn’t react negatively with any medications you’re on!
  • It contains low levels of oxalate. However, when eaten in high doses, this may contribute to kidney stones in those predisposed to get them.

It’s best to refer to a medical professional before consuming large amounts of turmeric. Especially if you have bleeding disorders (and are on blood thinners), diabetes, gallbladder issues, GERD, iron deficiency, liver disease, or are pregnant.

You can read more about the potential side effect of turmeric on Healthline.

What Does Turmeric Taste Like?

It has an earthy, slightly bitter, spicy, and peppery flavor. However, most turmeric recipes use it as a spice for seasoning, so it has a fairly subtle flavor. Is turmeric spicy? Not really – it’s more warm and peppery than spicy.

What Is the Best Way to Take Turmeric

Looking at introducing (or increasing) turmeric in your diet? Follow these top tips on how to use it and how to get the most benefits from it.

  • Purchasing the best quality: When possible, purchase organic from fair trade companies. Also, look out for turmeric powders that contain no fillers or dyes.
  • Eat it with black pepper: To maximize curcumin absorption into the bloodstream, add 3% black pepper. Freshly cracked black pepper increases the absorption by 2000%.
  • Add healthy fats, too: Curcumin is also fat-soluble, meaning it binds to the fat and goes directly to the bloodstream, bypassing the liver, and helping our bodies to absorb it. I recommend healthy fats like avocado oil, coconut oil, or nuts/seeds.
  • Heat it: Heating the root (aka using it when cooking) also helps improve its bioavailability and improves its flavor, too.
Black pepper and turmeric

I also highly recommend wearing gloves when dealing with fresh turmeric root, as it stains. A lot.

How to Use Turmeric

Cooking with turmeric is very simple as it can be used in similar ways to most spices in many cases; add a pinch and increase to taste. It’s also used to add color to dishes. Here are my top 30+ ideas for how to eat turmeric. So whether you want to increase your intake to get you through cold and flu season or love the flavor, there’s something for everyone!

Simple Turmeric DIYs

Before any turmeric recipes, let’s look at how you can prepare turmeric root, ready to add to other dishes (or enjoy medicinally in the case of the tincture).

Small bottles with turmeric juice

How To Juice Turmeric (With and Without a Juicer)

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Powdered turmeric

How to Make Turmeric Powder at Home

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A big jar with homemade turmeric tincture with three small dropper bottles around dit and some turmeric laying on a flat surface

Turmeric Tincture – Nature’s Golden Medicine

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How To Take Turmeric?

If you plan to consume it medicinally, my favorite way is either as a tincture or in liquid form as part of a liquid shot. Do so first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, 30 minutes before having breakfast. This way, you’ll achieve the quickest absorption.

Recipes with Turmeric Root

It can be tricky to find fresh root in some countries. However, if you have access, I love to use this vibrant ingredient in several ways. Here are my favorite recipes using fresh root.

Ginger Turmeric immune-boosting energy shots ( juicer recipe). Also including the benefits of ginger and benefits of turmeric. Using just 4 ingredients and 10 minutes.

Ginger Turmeric Immune-Boosting Energy Shots (juicer recipe)

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Turmeric Ginger Energy Shots in small bottles

Turmeric Ginger Energy Shots (blender recipe)

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Close-up of pineapple skin tea being poured into a mason jar filled with ice.

Best Pineapple Skin Tea

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Recipes Using Ground Turmeric

My most common method of cooking with turmeric is with ground spice. However, it’s also great with “raw” recipes, too. Below are some of my favorite ground turmeric recipes. You can easily choose between using the spice fresh or ground in several cases.

If you want to convert fresh to dried (or vice versa), remember that one tablespoon of minced turmeric root = ½ teaspoon of turmeric powder.

Turmeric Drink Recipes

There are several ways to use turmeric in drinks. Be it making turmeric tea recipes or golden milk (which combines it with warming spices like cinnamon and ginger) or adding it to juices (listed above) and smoothies.

A cup with freshly made golden milk

Easy 5-Minute Golden Milk

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A cup with turmeric tea and lemon slice on the side

How To Make Turmeric Tea?

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Turmeric Honey and bee stick

Turmeric Honey and Turmeric-Honey Shots

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You can also easily add a pinch of turmeric to smoothies (around ¼ tsp maximum) along with a pinch of black pepper. I particularly like adding it to mango smoothies, but you can add it to almost any smoothie.

Turmeric Paste in a white pot square photo

Turmeric Paste Recipe

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jar of golden spice mix with turmeric roots on the side

Golden Milk Spice Mix/Powder (Turmeric Latte Mix)

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Soups, Stews, and Curries

The warm and slightly pungent flavor of this root pairs wonderfully with creamy fall/winter soups and curries (both for flavor and color). Add ½ a teaspoon and increase to taste.

homemade comforting pumpkin soup

Turmeric and Ginger Spiced Pumpkin Soup

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A big bowl with homemade roasted butternut squash soup

Best Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

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Red lentil dahl in a serving bowl

Easy Red Lentil Dal (Tarka Dal | Indian Lentil Dish)

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A large pot with homemade Chana Masala

Chana Masala

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Appetizers and Sides

Turmeric uses in cooking are versatile (and delicious) ways to enjoy this spice, and luckily there are PLENTY of different ways to enjoy the spice. So if you’re not in the mood for a warming drink or creamy soup, why not try one of the below dishes to get curcumin in your daily diet? Learning how to cook with turmeric is simple.

Rainbow Veggie Platter with 3 Hummus dips

Crudite Platter (Veggie Platter with Dips)

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turmeric focaccia cut in two

Easy Turmeric Rosemary No-Knead Focaccia Bread

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Vegetable rice served on a plate with a fork

Easy Vegetable Rice Pilaf (Yellow Turmeric Rice)

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colored pasta ribbons on a plate

How to Make Colored Pasta (All Natural)

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Baked cauliflower head in a baking tray

Whole Turmeric Roasted Cauliflower

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Square Tofu Scramble

Easy Vegan Tofu Scramble

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Square of mustard bowl

Simple Smooth Homemade Mustard

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Home-made Vegan Cheddar Cheese

Simple Smoky Vegan Cheddar Cheese

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Turmeric Dessert and Snack Recipes

How to use turmeric in desserts (and snacks) to enhance rather than overwhelm. Here are several options, whether you want to use it to add color to a dish or for a subtle flavor.

A half-eaten energy bite rolled into turmeric and coconut mix

No-Bake Energy Balls

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9 crackers shapes as autumn leaves

Autumn Leaves Healthy Colorful Crackers

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A bowl with homemade roasted chickpeas

The Best Crispy Roasted Chickpeas

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vegan pistachio & lemon tart with a raw vegan pistachio crust

Vegan Pistachio and Lemon Tart

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Why does turmeric need black pepper?

Certain nutrients aren’t easily absorbed by our bodies without extra help (like vitamin C helps iron absorption). Black pepper contains the compound piperine, which increases the bioavailability of curcumin by up to 2000%.

How to remove turmeric stains?

If you ever deal with fresh turmeric root, you’ve likely encountered its (annoyingly) impressive ability to stain. Luckily, I’ve pulled together an entire post on how to deal with stubborn turmeric stains.

Does drinking or eating turmeric recipes make your skin yellow?

No, though it can stain your skin when handling the raw root or applying it to the skin (i.e., in a face mask).

How to store fresh turmeric root?

Whole: You can store the whole (unpeeled) root for up to 2 weeks, wrapped loosely in the fridge. Alternatively, you can freeze the root for up to 6 months tightly wrapped in cling film.
It will become less firm upon thawing. I tend to grate it directly from frozen with a micro plane grater.
Cut: Once you start using the root, wrap it tightly or store it in an airtight Ziplock bag and use it within 7-10 days.

More Recipe Round-Ups

If you try any of these best ways to consume turmeric, let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d appreciate a recipe card rating and would love to see your recipe recreations – tag me on Instagram @Alphafoodie!

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3 Comments

  1. Vengatesan K says:

    This article is very helpful and genuine. Thank you very much and I humbly request you to publish many more articles like this.

    1. Support @ Alphafoodie says:

      Thank you for your comment, Vengatesan!

  2. Zarka says:

    Amazing, I needed a compilation with all of this information. And all the recipes – awesome 🙂