Turmeric 80g

Recipes & Uses

Why Keep Turmeric in the Pantry?

Instant golden colour
A small quantity can colour an entire pot of rice, curry or soup.

One of the foundations of Indian cooking
Often used alongside cumin, coriander, chilli and other spices.

Earthy rather than hot
Turmeric adds depth without introducing significant chilli heat.

Excellent with vegetables
Particularly good with cauliflower, potatoes, chickpeas and lentils.

Works beyond curry
Use it in rice, soups, pickles, marinades and warm drinks.

What Does Turmeric Taste Like?

Turmeric is:

Earthy
Warm
Slightly bitter
Peppery

with a subtle musky character.

It isn't generally meant to dominate a dish.

Instead, it often sits underneath stronger flavours such as:

Cumin
Coriander
Chilli
Ginger
Garlic

while contributing both earthy depth and colour.

How to Use Turmeric

Curries

Add Turmeric when building the spice base for:

Chicken curry
Vegetable curry
Chickpea curry
Fish curry

A relatively small amount is often enough.

Dal

Turmeric is one of the simplest ways to give lentils both colour and earthy flavour.

Add it while the lentils cook or include it with your sautéed spices.

Rice

Add a pinch to cooking water or stock for beautiful golden rice.

Pair with:

Cumin Seeds
Cardamom
Bay Leaf

if desired.

Roast Cauliflower

Toss cauliflower with:

Olive oil
Turmeric
Ground Cumin
Salt
Black Pepper

and roast until browned.

Potatoes

Use in dry Indian-style potato dishes or simply add a pinch before roasting.

Bloom Turmeric in Oil

Turmeric works particularly well when briefly cooked in fat.

Heat oil or ghee.

Add the Turmeric with your other ground spices.

Stir for approximately 20–30 seconds.

Then add your onions, tomatoes, stock or other ingredients as appropriate.

This helps:

Distribute the spice
Develop the aroma
Remove some of the raw powdery character

Do not burn it.

Turmeric vs Curry Powder

Turmeric is a single spice.

Curry Powder is a blend of multiple spices that often includes Turmeric.

Use Turmeric when you want:

• Golden colour
• Earthy flavour
• Full control over the other spices

Use Curry Powder when you want:

• Several spices already blended
• Faster everyday curry seasoning
• A more complex flavour in one spoon

Turmeric is often one building block within a curry rather than the complete seasoning on its own.

Why Turmeric Gives Food Such Strong Colour

The natural pigments in Turmeric produce an intense golden-yellow colour.

That is wonderful in food.

Less wonderful on:

Light worktops
Wooden spoons
Clothing

Turmeric can stain surprisingly easily.

Wipe spills quickly and take care when handling the powder.

Try It This Way

For easy golden rice:

Add Basmati rice to your pot with:

Water or stock
A small amount of Turmeric
Salt

Cook as usual.

For extra flavour, add:

Cumin Seeds

or

Bay Leaf

The result is colourful enough to turn a simple side of rice into something much more visually appealing.

Make Turmeric-Roasted Vegetables

Combine:

Cauliflower
Potatoes
Carrots

with:

Olive oil
Turmeric
Ground Cumin
Garlic
Salt

Roast until browned.

Finish with lemon.

The acidity from the lemon works particularly well against Turmeric's earthy character.

Turmeric in Soups

Try a small amount in:

Lentil soup
Pumpkin soup
Carrot soup
Chicken soup

It brings colour and earthy warmth without needing to turn the entire dish into a curry.

Make Golden Milk

Warm milk or your preferred milk alternative.

Add a small amount of:

Turmeric
Cinnamon
Ginger

Sweeten according to taste.

Whisk well.

The important thing is to start with a modest amount of Turmeric — too much can make the drink noticeably bitter.

Beyond Curry

Once you've opened the pack, try Turmeric in:

• Dal
• Chickpea dishes
• Biryani
• Golden rice
• Roast cauliflower
• Potatoes
• Pumpkin soup
• Lentil soup
• Marinades
• Pickles
• Salad dressings
• Golden milk
• Homemade spice blends

Turmeric earns its pantry space because a surprisingly small amount can add both earthy flavour and dramatic golden colour to an enormous range of dishes.

Start Small

Turmeric can become bitter if used too heavily.

Add modestly and allow it to cook with the other ingredients before deciding whether the dish needs more.

Storage

Store Turmeric in an airtight container in a cool, dark and dry place to help preserve its vibrant colour and earthy flavour.

 Other Top Turmeric Recipes:

1. Indian Dal Tadka (lentils with turmeric-tempered ghee)

2. Thai Yellow Curry (turmeric + coconut milk base)

3. Turmeric Pickled Eggs (viral TikTok trend)

Science Bit:
Turmeric’s curcumin:
→ Fat-soluble (always pair with oil/pepper)
→ Heat-stable (unlike many nutrients)