Turmeric has been a common spice used in traditional medicine and cooking for thousands of years. It has a distinctive yellow colour and is a bit spicy, earthly, and slightly bitter. Turmeric is also recognised for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities linked to various health benefits. If you want to incorporate more turmeric powder into your diet, here are some tips and ideas to get you started.
Add The Powder to Soups and Stews
One of the easiest ways to incorporate turmeric into your diet is by adding it to soups and stews. Sprinkle a teaspoon of the powder into your favourite soup or stew recipe. Not only will it add flavour and colour, but it will also provide some added health benefits. Turmeric is especially good in chicken or vegetable soup, lentil stew, or chilli.
Make Turmeric Tea
Another simple way to consume the powder is by making turmeric tea. To make turmeric tea, bring water to a boil and add a teaspoon of turmeric. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, then strain out the powder and enjoy. You can also add honey, lemon, or ginger to your turmeric tea to enhance the flavour and health benefits.
Use The Powder in Salad Dressings
Turmeric can also add some spice to your salad dressings. Mix a teaspoon of turmeric with olive oil, vinegar, and your favourite herbs and spices for a tasty and healthy salad dressing. Turmeric is particularly good with leafy greens like spinach, kale, or arugula.
Sprinkle The Powder on Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a healthy and delicious side dish; turmeric can add extra flavour and colour. Sprinkle some turmeric on your favourite vegetables before roasting. For example, you can use turmeric with roasted cauliflower, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts.
Add The Powder to Rice and Grains
Turmeric is an excellent addition to rice and other grains. Not only does it add colour and flavour, but it also provides some added health benefits. Add a teaspoon of powder to your rice or quinoa while it’s cooking, or sprinkle some on top of your cooked grains for a colourful and healthy garnish.
Make Turmeric Milk
Turmeric milk is a traditional Indian drink that promotes health and well-being. To make turmeric milk, heat some milk (dairy or non-dairy) and add a teaspoon of turmeric, honey, and cinnamon if desired. This warm, comforting drink is perfect for chilly evenings and can be enjoyed at bedtime.
Experiment with Turmeric in Baked Goods
Turmeric can also be used in baking to add unique flavour and colour to your treats. Add a teaspoon of turmeric to your muffin, cake, or cookie batter. You can also sprinkle turmeric on your baked goods before baking for a colourful and healthy garnish. Turmeric pairs well with flavours like ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom, so don’t be afraid to get creative in the kitchen!
Combine The Powder with Other Spices in Meat and Fish Marinades
Turmeric can be combined with other spices to create flavorful marinades for meat and fish. Mix turmeric with cumin, coriander, and paprika for a delicious and healthy marinade for chicken or fish. You can add turmeric to a yoghurt-based marinade for a tasty and healthy twist on traditional Indian tandoori chicken. Marinades are a great way to infuse flavour into your meats and fish while reaping the powder’s health benefits.
Conclusion
Incorporating turmeric powder into your daily diet is easy and can provide fantastic health benefits. Whether you add it to your soups and stews, make turmeric tea or milk, or sprinkle it on your roasted vegetables, turmeric can add spice and colour to your meals while improving your health. Remember to choose high-quality powder and store it properly to ensure maximum freshness and potency.
