Amongst all the gorgeous hues and tantalizing flavors on your spice rack, turmeric wins gold. The yellow root-based spice that gives curry powder its golden color is known for its bold flavor and anti-inflammatory benefits. So it’s not surprising that you’ll find turmeric in everything from lattes (aka golden milk) to breakfast muffins to vegan mac and cheese. And because it boasts major health benefits, there are even juice cleanses and detoxes feature the healthful ingredient. To help you think beyond the standard curry dish, we rounded up these unique and delicious turmeric recipes that spotlight the super spice.
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10 Health-Boosting Turmeric Recipes
1. Turmeric Sweet Potatoes and Poached Egg Grain Bowl
This hearty vegetable-loaded grain bowl is perfect for carb-loading before a race or an intense workout. Sweet potatoes — a superfood in its own right — gets a nutritional boost from turmeric. Brown rice (or quinoa) offers filling fiber, and arugula lends a peppery bite. A poached egg is the protein cherry on top. Photo and recipe: Lindsay Ostrom / Pinch of Yum
2. Raw Coconut and Turmeric Truffles
If you’re looking for an indulgent yet nutritious treat, these tasty truffles are spot on. Turmeric, shredded coconut and raw cocoa powder make a sweet and savory coating, and beneath is a chocolate ganache made with coconut oil and maple syrup. Made with all-natural ingredients, this is one treat you can enjoy guilt-free. In fact, these bites are enough to keep an on-the-go snacker loyal for years to come. Photo and recipe: Aimee Ryan / Wallflower Kitchen
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3. Moroccan Sweet Potato and Chickpea Tacos
This bold veggie-packed combo of spicy sweet potatoes, crunchy chickpeas and a lime yogurt sauce may not be the traditional Taco Tuesday recipe you’re used to. But trust us, you won’t miss those greasy tacos. The flavorful blend of ginger, paprika, cumin and turmeric in this vegetarian dish will make any meat eater a fan. Photo and recipe: Carmen Sturdy / Life by Daily Burn
4. Butternut Squash, Turmeric and Coconut Soup
When fall weather hits, the extra creamy texture of this comforting soup makes it feel like a decadent meal. The slightly sweet flavors of butternut squash and coconut milk get a kick from smoked paprika, cumin and turmeric. Crispy sage leaves and chopped almonds add a savory crunch. Photo and recipe: Sophie Bourdon / The Green Life
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5. Turmeric Blueberry Breakfast Muffins
There’s no better way to start your morning than with a warm batch of these blueberry muffins. You’ll instantly get a hit of superfood goodness with blueberries, walnuts and rolled oats. Fresh dates and bananas add a natural dose of sweetness, while cardamom and turmeric deliver a major hit of flavor. Heed the recipe’s advice and scale your usage of the golden spice to taste if you’re not as familiar. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or a superfood latte for more bright mornings in your future. Photo and recipe: David Frankiel and Luise Vindahl / Green Kitchen Stories
6. Tofu Scramble with Roasted Tomatoes
Who says vegans can’t enjoy a good breakfast scramble? Tofu, red bell peppers, mushrooms and zucchini are sautéed in a flavorful mix of spices and herbs, including turmeric. Nutritional yeast offers a boost of B vitamins, which are often missing in a vegetarian or vegan diet. If you’re looking for an easy side dish to sneak in a few more veggies, we roasted some tomatoes to make them softer and caramelized. Photo and recipe: Perry Santanachote / Life by Daily Burn
7. Golden Milk Ice Cream
Step aside mint chocolate chip and cookies and cream. This wonderfully creamy and vibrant treat will make you re-think your frozen dessert. Full-fat coconut milk, maple syrup, fresh ginger, turmeric, ground cinnamon, cardamom and vanilla extract are used to prepare the “golden milk” base. Chopped candied ginger make a great topping in lieu of sprinkles. Photo and recipe: Dana Schultz / Minimalist Baker
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8. Golden Turmeric Yogurt Bowl
If you’re bored with your usual plain Greek yogurt parfait, this golden turmeric coconut yogurt is just what you’re looking for. This bowl is brimming with bold, spicy goodness, thanks to ginger, cinnamon, cardamom and (surprise!) turmeric. Topped with figs, plums — or really anything that’s in season — a little granola, your favorite seeds and a drizzle of honey, this breakfast won’t leave you hungry. Let’s put it this way: One spoonful, and you’ll think you’ve died and gone to creamy, fruity heaven. Photo and recipe: Liberty Browne / Homespun Capers
9. Turmeric Garlic Shrimp with Cabbage
Although this recipe calls for some minor prep, the spicy dish shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes from cutting board to feast. Translation: Great for busy weeknights. Pack leftovers for lunch the next day. The shrimp delivers a dose of iron to help you power through your day. Photo and recipe: Gina Homolka / Skinny Taste
10. Vegan Mac and Cheese
Don’t let the vegan factor scare you off. This comfort food staple is just as cheesy as your childhood version. Non-dairy cheese paired with noodles and diced vegetables give your bowl a hearty lift. Nutritional yeast provides a dose of B vitamins to keep your body fueled — plus it’ll lend a cheesy flavor to all your favorite dishes. Photo and recipe: Renee Blair / Life by Daily Burn