Turmeric

Curcuma longa Spice

Turmeric Spice

At a Glance

  • Category Spice

The Forktionary Angle

"The golden wonder of the spice world, bringing not just warmth and color to cuisine but also a wealth of wellness to the body."

Definition

A vibrant yellow-orange spice derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, known for its earthy, slightly bitter flavor and potent health benefits.

Active Compound Curcumin (up to 3% by weight)
Best Absorption Enhanced by black pepper & fat
Staining Power Strong natural dye for fabrics/skin

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Turmeric are:

Earthy slightly bitter peppery warm pungent

Chef’s Secret

To maximize turmeric's flavor and color, 'bloom' it in hot oil or fat for about 30 seconds before adding other ingredients to a dish.

Best Substitutes

Saffron

for color, expensive

Cumin

for earthiness, different color

Mustard Powder

for pungency, different color

Buying Guide

Buy ground or fresh root. Store ground turmeric in an airtight container away from light.

Recipes Using Turmeric

4 Hours Or Less Cuisine Vegan Course

Chicken Tikka Masala Vegan Style

Craving Chicken Tikka Masala but living the vegan life? This recipe delivers the rich, creamy, and aromatic flavors you love, completely plant-based! Using Gardein's 'Chicken Scallopini' as a fantastic meat substitute, this dish is surprisingly easy to make and will impress even the most dedicated carnivores. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

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Time To Make 60 Minutes Or Less Fish Soups Stews

Algerian Fish Soup

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Algerian coast with this authentic fish soup recipe! Inspired by a harbor-side restaurant in Algiers, this Chorba is rich, aromatic, and easily customizable to your spice preference. Add extra cayenne pepper for a fiery kick! Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion.

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Spicy One Dish Meal Low Calorie 60 Minutes Or Less

Aloo Gobi Cauliflower And Potatoes

Experience the magic of Aloo Gobi, a classic Indian dish! This recipe delivers tender potatoes and cauliflower in a fragrant and flavorful curry sauce. Easy to follow instructions and readily available ingredients make this a perfect weeknight meal for the whole family. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!

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Main Ingredient Free Of Something Main Dish Vegetarian

Aloo Gobi Potato And Cauliflower Curry

This Aloo Gobi recipe is a guaranteed family favorite! My youngest son requests this delicious potato and cauliflower curry again and again. Tender potatoes and perfectly crisp-tender cauliflower florets simmer in a fragrant blend of warming spices. Enjoy it hot as a side dish to your favorite curry, or cold the next day – it's equally delightful! Easy to make and incredibly flavorful, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Low In Something Low Saturated Fat Healthy Stove Top

Aloo Phujia

Aloo Phujia is a vibrant and flavorful Indian potato dish bursting with spicy warmth! This recipe features tender potatoes, juicy tomatoes, and aromatic onions, perfectly seasoned with a blend of warming spices. Get ready for an explosion of taste in just 50 minutes!

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Chicken Main Ingredient Time To Make Preparation

Another Chicken Soup Recipe

Unearth a culinary treasure from the past! This chicken soup recipe, passed down through generations, is hearty, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for chilly evenings, this family favorite is packed with comforting goodness and boasts a rich, savory broth. A taste of history awaits – try it today!

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Course Cuisine 30 Minutes Or Less Main Ingredient

Anticuchos Peruvian Beef Kebabs

Experience the fiery flavors of Peru with these authentic Anticuchos! Marinated in a vibrant blend of aji amarillo (or hot paprika for a delicious alternative), these juicy beef kebabs are a taste of Peruvian street food magic. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a sizzling summer BBQ, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes. Get ready for an explosion of flavor!

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Main Ingredient 60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Cuisine

Authentic Karahi Curry With Base Sauce

Elevate your curry game with this authentic Karahi recipe! Forget jarred sauces – this tried-and-tested recipe uses fresh ingredients to create a depth of flavor that rivals the best Indian restaurants. Spend an hour crafting a curry so rich and aromatic, your family and friends will be begging for more. Learn the secrets to the perfect base sauce and a fragrant spice blend for an unforgettable culinary experience. Serve with warm chapattis or basmati rice.

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High Protein Course Seafood Equipment

Baked Fish With Lemon Black Pepper

This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality baked fish dish in under an hour! Perfectly flaky white fish fillets are marinated in a vibrant blend of aromatic spices, then baked to golden perfection. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the flavors, creating a dish that's both simple and sophisticated. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion!

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Occasion Course Comfort Food Equipment

Baked Rice And Lentils

Elevate your next dinner party with this stunning Baked Rice and Lentils dish! A hearty and flavorful alternative to potatoes, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it warm as a comforting main course or chilled as a refreshing side. Easily adaptable for vegetarians, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping – leftovers freeze beautifully for future enjoyment. Impress your guests with this unique and delicious side or main dish!

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Curries Main Ingredient Citrus Condiments Etc

Barbados Shrimp Curry

Escape to the Caribbean with this vibrant Barbados Shrimp Curry! Tender shrimp simmer in a rich, aromatic curry sauce, bursting with the flavors of fresh vegetables and warming spices. Served over fluffy basmati rice, this dish is a taste of paradise. Suggested pairing: crisp Sauvignon Blanc.

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Potluck Time To Make Main Ingredient Spicy

Barbs Bread Butter Pickles

These Bread and Butter Pickles are a family favorite for a reason! A tangy, sweet, and crunchy treat, this recipe has been perfected over time. Easy to make and perfect for canning, these pickles are sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Get ready for the perfect side dish for any occasion!

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Easy Preparation 4 Hours Or Less Grains

Barley And Red Lentil Pilaf

This hearty and flavorful Barley and Red Lentil Pilaf, inspired by a classic Good Taste recipe (2001), is a comforting vegetarian dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The nutty barley and earthy lentils combine beautifully with warming spices and tender vegetables for a satisfying and wholesome meal. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

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Low In Something Low Calorie Beef Occasion

Beef In Pepper Sauce

Savor the explosion of flavors in this customizable Beef in Zesty Pepper Sauce recipe! Control the spice level to your liking and enjoy tender beef simmered in a vibrant pepper sauce, served over fluffy white rice. A quick and easy weeknight meal that's sure to impress!

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Asian Gluten Free Main Dish Preparation

Beef Rogan Josh

Indulge in this aromatic and flavorful Beef Rogan Josh recipe! A surprisingly simple yet incredibly satisfying Indian dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Customize the spice level to your preference – from mild to fiery! This recipe is easy to follow and delivers restaurant-quality results.

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Chicken Main Dish Main Ingredient Meat

Berber Chicken

Experience the fiery flavors of Morocco and beyond with this Berber Chicken recipe! Tender chicken boasts incredibly crispy skin thanks to an overnight marinade and a strategic pre-cooking dry. The aromatic spices will tantalize your taste buds, creating a truly unforgettable Middle Eastern/African feast. Perfectly paired with our recommended fruited rice (recipe not included). Prepare for a flavor explosion!

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Cuisine Vegan Inexpensive Central American

Gallo Pinto Costa Rican Rice And Beans

Discover the vibrant flavors of Costa Rica with this authentic Gallo Pinto recipe! Meaning "painted rooster," this colorful rice and bean dish is a national favorite, enjoyed daily by many Costa Ricans. Our unique twist adds a touch of ginger and Worcestershire sauce for a depth of flavor you won't find anywhere else. This vegetarian-friendly recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a delicious and satisfying weeknight meal. Get ready to experience the magic of Gallo Pinto!

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Low Calorie Main Ingredient Course Summer

Spiced Skewered Chicken Chicken Sosaties

Experience the vibrant flavors of South Africa with these delicious Spiced Chicken Sosaties! Inspired by Jessica B. Harris's "The Africa Cookbook," this recipe features juicy chicken marinated for 24 hours in a fragrant blend of spices, then grilled to perfection. Serve hot with apricot chutney for a truly unforgettable taste of the continent.

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