6 Top Turmeric Recipes 2024: Drinks, Mains & More

Turmeric isn’t just a bright, golden spice – it’s a powerhouse of flavor and health benefits that can transform your meals. Known for its earthy, slightly bitter taste, turmeric adds depth to dishes while offering anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that make it a popular addition to any kitchen.

From vibrant curries to savory soups, turmeric can elevate a wide range of recipes. Whether you're adding a dash to your morning smoothie or infusing it into your favorite savory dishes, these turmeric recipes will show you just how versatile and delicious this spice can be.

1. Comforting Golden Turmeric Milk

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Add all ingredients to a saucepan, including any optional items, and stir well to combine.

2. Heat the mixture over medium heat until steaming, but don’t let it boil. Stir occasionally.

3. Taste and adjust the sweetness or spices as desired.

4. Strain the milk through a fine mesh sieve into cups for a smoother texture, if preferred.

5. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!

Overview 🔍

I love this for a soothing, nutrient-packed drink perfect for unwinding after a long day. Combining the earthy warmth of turmeric and cinnamon with creamy plant-based milk, this easy recipe offers both relaxation and anti-inflammatory benefits. Sweetened naturally with honey or maple syrup, this golden drink is versatile and easy to adapt with additional spices like ginger or vanilla.

Whether you're fighting off the cold or simply craving something cozy, this recipe is a nourishing treat. A hint of black pepper enhances turmeric's benefits, while coconut oil adds a touch of richness. This simple preparation makes it an ideal addition to any wellness routine, supporting digestion and overall health.

2. Mediterranean Turmeric Chicken With Fennel & Citrus

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, orange juice, white wine, lime juice, yellow mustard, brown sugar, turmeric, garlic powder, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper.

3. Slice the fennel bulb, onion, and oranges into thin rounds. (Optional: slice the lime as well.)

4. Place the chicken thighs in the bowl with the marinade and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 1 hour).

5. Arrange the fennel, onion, and orange slices in a baking pan.

6. Place the marinated chicken thighs on top of the fennel and citrus. Drizzle the remaining marinade over the chicken.

7. Roast in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden.

8. Optional: sprinkle extra brown sugar over the chicken and broil for 2–3 minutes to achieve a caramelized finish.

9. Serve hot and enjoy the flavorful combination of spices and citrus!

Overview 🔍

This chicken dish is a vibrant, tangy twist on fragrant turmeric. The bright citrus and aromatic fennel pair beautifully with the warm flavors of turmeric and garlic, creating a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying. This meal is a perfect choice when you're craving a hearty yet light chicken recipe.

The citrusy marinade with a touch of sweetness from brown sugar enhances the chicken's natural flavors while infusing the fennel and onions with a delicate, caramelized essence. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is loaded with protein and healthy fats, making it a balanced and indulgent option for any weeknight meal.

3. Turkey & Shawarma-Spiced Rice With Carrots & Lemon Labneh

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. In a small pot, cook the jasmine rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, stir in the dried currants and set aside.

2. While the rice cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.

3. Add the shawarma spice blend, garlic, and onions to the turkey, and sauté until the onions soften. Season with salt and pepper.

4. In the same pan, add the carrots and cook until tender, about 5–7 minutes.

5. While the turkey and carrots cook, zest and juice the lemon. In a bowl, mix the labneh with lemon juice and a pinch of lemon zest to make a tangy labneh sauce.

6. Once the turkey mixture is done, stir in the cooked rice and currants, combining everything well.

7. Serve the turkey and shawarma-spiced rice topped with a dollop of lemon labneh and garnish with fresh parsley.

Overview 🔍

This dish is a quick and flavorful Middle Eastern-inspired meal perfect for any night of the week. The shawarma spice blend, featuring turmeric and other bold spices, infuses the turkey and rice with deep, aromatic flavors. The sweetness of the currants and the savory turkey combine for a satisfying and nutritious dish.

The tangy lemon labneh adds a refreshing contrast to the rich turmeric and warming spices, creating a balanced meal. This dish is a great option for anyone seeking a healthy, protein-packed meal with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, and the minimal prep time makes it ideal for busy weeknights.

4. Tandoori Chicken With Turmeric Rice & Cucumber-Tomato Sambal

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, chopped ginger, Tandoori spice mix, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breasts with the yogurt marinade and let sit for at least 15 minutes.

3. While the chicken marinates, cook the basmati rice in a small pot according to package instructions.

4. Meanwhile, slice the cucumbers and tomatoes for the sambal. In a bowl, combine the vegetables with sambal, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside.

5. Place the marinated chicken breasts on a baking sheet and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until cooked through and golden.

6. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest before slicing.

7. Serve the tandoori chicken on a bed of turmeric rice, topped with cucumber-tomato sambal, and garnish with cilantro sprigs.

Overview 🔍

Bring the smoky flavors of a traditional tandoor oven to your home with tandoori chicken. The yogurt marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with bold spices, and the turmeric rice complements the dish with a subtle earthy flavor. The zesty cucumber-tomato sambal adds a refreshing, vibrant contrast.

This dish is perfect for those who enjoy smoky, spiced meals with a balance of freshness. The combination of tender chicken, aromatic rice, and tangy sambal makes it a complete and satisfying meal.

5. 5-Minute Turmeric Tea With Lemon

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. In a saucepan, bring the water to a boil.

2. Add the fresh turmeric root and ginger to the water, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3–4 minutes.

3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and strain the tea through a fine sieve to remove the solids.

4. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper.

5. Optional: Add honey for sweetness, if desired.

6. Pour the turmeric tea into a cup and enjoy while warm!

Overview 🔍

This turmeric tea is a simple and soothing beverage that offers a quick wellness boost. The combination of fresh turmeric, ginger, and black pepper provides anti-inflammatory benefits, while the lemon adds a refreshing zing. This tea is perfect for those looking for a natural way to relax and support their health.

You can enjoy a warm cup of flavorful tea that’s both invigorating and calming in just 5 minutes. The optional honey adds a touch of sweetness, making it a customizable drink to suit your taste.

6. Turmeric Chicken Coconut Curry

Method 🧑‍🍳

1. Heat the avocado oil in a large pan over medium heat.

2. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.

3. Add the ginger and spices (turmeric, cumin, coriander, cardamom, and garam masala) and cook for another minute until fragrant.

4. Add the chicken thighs to the pan and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned on all sides.

5. Stir in the butternut squash, coconut milk, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the squash is tender.

6. Add the baby spinach and lime juice, stirring until the spinach wilts.

7. Serve the curry garnished with lime wedges and fresh cilantro.

Overview 🔍

This dish is a comforting, flavorful dish with a rich combination of vibrant spices. The tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and earthy turmeric blend perfectly with the sweetness of butternut squash. It provides a nourishing, hearty meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

The addition of fresh spinach and a squeeze of lime juice brightens the curry, making it a well-rounded dish that’s as satisfying as it is nutritious. With its blend of aromatic spices, this curry delivers a taste of comfort and warmth in every bite.

FAQ

What foods taste best with turmeric?

Turmeric pairs well with a variety of dishes, enhancing both savory and sweet flavors. For example, in the Turmeric Chicken Coconut Curry, turmeric adds warmth and depth to the rich coconut milk and tender chicken. It also complements the sweetness of butternut squash, creating a balanced and flavorful meal.

You can also experiment by adding turmeric to rice, soups, stews, or smoothies for an extra layer of taste and health benefits.

What is the best way to eat turmeric?

Turmeric is best consumed when combined with healthy fats and black pepper to maximize its bioavailability. For instance, in the Tandoori Chicken with Turmeric Rice, the turmeric in the rice pairs perfectly with the yogurt-marinated chicken, boosting both flavor and absorption.

A warm beverage like 5-Minute Turmeric Tea with Lemon is another excellent option, especially when combined with black pepper and healthy fats like coconut oil for enhanced benefits.

What cannot be mixed with turmeric?

While turmeric pairs well with many ingredients, there are a few things that may reduce its effectiveness. For example, combining turmeric with large amounts of dairy, like in some curries, can sometimes hinder absorption. In Turmeric Chicken Coconut Curry, the coconut milk serves as a great alternative, helping the body absorb the turmeric’s benefits.

It's best to avoid using excessive dairy products in dishes where turmeric is the main flavoring to ensure maximum absorption.

Can I just sprinkle turmeric on my food?

While you can sprinkle turmeric directly on food, it's more effective when cooked with other ingredients like fats or black pepper. In the Turkey & Shawarma-Spiced Rice, turmeric is part of a spice blend, allowing it to infuse the rice and turkey, enhancing both flavor and health benefits.

If you’re looking for a quick option, sprinkling turmeric on a dish can still provide benefits, but cooking it will yield better results for both taste and absorption.