Turmeric has been around for approximately 4,000 years, which might explain why almost everyone has this kitchen staple in their spice rack. Known for boosting immunity, turmeric root will give your meals added nutritional value, which is great news not only because turmeric is delicious and versatile but also a nutritional superstar with anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties. But despite its recent explosion in popularity, some home cooks are still apprehensive about just how to use turmeric. To help you enjoy this tasty root, we’re exploring five fun and exciting recipes that feature turmeric root that’ll get you baking, juicing, and cooking in no time.
1. Turmeric Carrot Muffins with Chia & Coconut
Do you love baking and filling your kitchen with the aroma of warm, sweet spices? If so, these muffins from Vegan Richa are for you. This oil-free recipe requires no added sugar and takes a mere 35 minutes to prepare. And, as an added bonus, these muffins also feature chia seeds, which are a vegan source of omega-3s. Even better? The array of sweet and spicy flavors in this recipe is satisfying any time of day (although we prefer dunking them into our afternoon coffee).
2. Anti-Inflammatory Juice
Inflammation in the system is linked to many ailments, so why not tackle it head on with a healing fresh juice? The combination of carrots, oranges, ginger, and turmeric root in this anti-inflammatory juice from Rainbow Plant Life is simple, potent, and delicious. You don’t have to be on a juice cleanse to enjoy fresh juices every day or a few times a week. Our tip: invest in a good juicer to bring nature’s pharmacy into your home.
3. Turmeric Pumpkin Soup with Coconut and Lime
Get the most out of a warming bowl of soup with this recipe from Homespun Capers. This dish combines pumpkin, turmeric root, garlic, cilantro, and red lentils (and essential colors of the rainbow such as orange, green, and red) into an immunity-boosting meal. Our favorite part of this recipe is the combination of the lime juice and coconut cream, but we also love the fact that we can make a large batch at once that will last for several days.
4. Super Slaw
In America, coleslaw is a staple at both diners and picnics because it’s a fantastic raw side dish that can accompany a variety of meals. With this in mind, let’s veganize it! One of our favorites is the Super Slaw recipe from Green Beat Life because it’s easy and quick and comes enriched with grated, raw turmeric root. Traditionally, coleslaw is made with mayonnaise, but there are plenty of great vegan mayonnaise products on the market. Or, you can skip the mayonnaise and use olive oil with lime juice, pepper, salt and cumin. If you like heat, add cayenne to the dressing, or sprinkle red chili flakes onto the slaw. Remember: turmeric root stains things bright yellow, which is why the grated turmeric sits on top of each serving.
5. Spiced Turmeric Latte
When you’re tired of traditional coffee, order a turmeric latte for your go-to pick-me-up. In fact, many cafés and coffee bars such as Le Pain Quotidien and Whole Foods Market are offering these non-caffeinated lattes. For an at-home version, try this recipe from The Vegan 8, which is a delicious blend for both flavor and fuel. This warming blend of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and maple syrup is calling you to curl up by the fire, and, thanks to the turmeric and black pepper, a nice buzz awaits!
Susan Tucker is a vegan chef and the founder of Green Beat Life, LLC, a plant-based diet health coaching practice in New York City.
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