Delicious ways to use turmeric

• Learn to use turmeric's earthy, peppery flavour in everyday cooking
• Make golden milk, colourful rice, lentil soup, or protein marinades
• Add black pepper to dishes to help with turmeric absorption

That small jar of golden turmeric in your pantry holds more than just the key to a good curry. Its power to add vibrant colour, a warm, earthy flavour, and gentle depth to everyday dishes is often overlooked. Let’s change that right now.

First, Understand the Flavour

Before you start cooking, it helps to know what you’re working with. Turmeric’s flavour is distinct yet versatile. It has a warm, earthy, and slightly peppery taste, often described as having mustard-like notes. It's not intensely spicy but brings a musky, grounding essence to a dish. While potent, it rarely seeks the spotlight alone; instead, it blends beautifully with other ingredients, enhancing the overall flavour profile while lending its signature brilliant yellow hue. This ability to complement, rather than dominate, is what makes it such a fantastic pantry staple.

A Soothing Golden Milk Latte

One of the simplest and most comforting ways to use turmeric is in a 'golden milk' latte. This warm, soothing beverage is perfect for a cool evening or a relaxing start to the day. All you need is milk (dairy or plant-based), a half-teaspoon of turmeric, a pinch of black pepper (which helps with absorption), and a sweetener like honey or maple syrup. Gently heat the milk in a small saucepan, whisk in the turmeric and pepper, and continue to stir until it’s warm. Add sweetener to your taste. For extra flavour, you can include other pantry spices like a dash of cinnamon or a thin slice of ginger.

Vibrant Turmeric Sunshine Rice

Transform a boring pot of plain rice into a stunning, flavourful side dish with minimal effort. As you prepare your rice (whether it’s basmati, jasmine, or a simple long-grain), just add a teaspoon of turmeric powder and a pinch of black pepper to the cooking water along with a little oil or butter. Stir well to combine before bringing it to a boil. The result is beautifully golden rice with a subtle, earthy flavour that pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or a simple dal. It's an easy way to make a weeknight meal feel a little more special.

Hearty Turmeric Lentil Soup

Turmeric is a natural partner for lentils, adding depth and a beautiful golden colour to a hearty soup. To make a simple version, start by sautéing common aromatics like chopped onion, carrots, and garlic in a large pot. Stir in a tablespoon of turmeric along with other complementary spices like cumin and coriander, letting them toast for a minute to release their flavours. Add a cup of rinsed red or brown lentils, vegetable or chicken broth, and perhaps a can of diced tomatoes. Let it all simmer until the lentils are tender, which usually takes about 30-40 minutes. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavours before serving.

A Simple, Flavourful Marinade

Create a quick and delicious marinade for chicken, tofu, or even fish using turmeric and other ingredients you likely have on hand. In a bowl, combine a few tablespoons of olive oil or yogurt with a teaspoon of turmeric, minced garlic, a pinch of cumin and paprika, salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice or vinegar. Whisk it all together to form a paste or thick sauce. Coat your protein of choice thoroughly and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling, baking, or pan-frying. The turmeric provides a lovely colour and a base layer of earthy flavour that makes any protein more exciting.