25 ways to use turmeric
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We are seeing turmeric everywhere, but some of the products out there are way overpriced. We can get all of the benefits of turmeric by eating simple whole foods throughout our day.
what is turmeric?
Turmeric is a powerful herb used for thousands of years in India and gives one of my favorite meals (curry) it’s beautiful color.
curcumin vs turmeric
what is the difference?
Curcumin is a naturally occurring chemical compound found in turmeric.
Curcumin is a curcuminoid, and has shown to have many healthy impacts on the body:
Research has shown that curcumin has been beneficial to type 2 diabetes by improving blood sugar metabolism.
A powerful aid to help reduce inflammation, and the research backs it up. Curcumin may be helpful for those with joint pain, arthritis, and other inflammation issues. It may even help with your recovery after working out!
Studies show that it may even help decrease anxiety.
So why wouldn’t we want to incorporate this amazing food into our lives?
Keep in mind that in order to increase the bioavailability and absorption of the curcumin from turmeric you want to try to consume turmeric with a healthy fat (avocado, nuts, nut butters, etc) and black pepper.
Always consult your physician if you’re on any medication. Turmeric is powerful and can interact with various medications.
25 ways to use turmeric
sauces, broths, + dressings
Let’s kick things off with dressings, sauces, and broths that make an easy addition to weeknight meals to help you get the benefits of turmeric/curcumin in every meal!
1.
vegan herb broth
Cut back on the store bought veggie broth cartons and start using this healing herb broth mix. Do good for the environment and your budget, bonus it tastes like heaven too. Once you toss together a batch of vegan herb broth, it will become a household staple that you won’t be able to live without!
Get the recipe: HERE
2.
ginger-turmeric dressing
Another environmental friendly hack, cut back on plastic and whip up your own version of Trader Joe’s Dressing with this yummy turmeric dressing. With just 6 ingredients, all you need is a blender and you can whip this up in under 5 minutes!
Get the recipe HERE
3.
creamy nut-free nacho cheese sauce
You don’t have to give up nacho cheese, just because you’re eating plant-based. You’ll love this healthy oh so cheesy sauce. Add it to whole grain noodles or drizzle on top of your favorite veggie bowls. You can’t go wrong!
Get the recipe: HERE
4.
creamy lemon ginger dressing
This ultra silky smooth dressing is packed with protein and healthy ingredients. Bonus, it’s oil free, but you’ll never be able to tell! If you’re a buddha bowl enthusiast, you’ll want to make sure you add this to your go to dressings!
Get the recipe HERE
5.
creamy hollandaise sauce
Don’t skip the Hollandaise! This creamy dreamy sauce is exactly what your Sunday morning brunch needs. Made with a base of cashews, and delicious ingredients, you won’t even know it’s vegan!
Get the recipe HERE.
turmeric infused drinks
You can add turmeric to any juice or smoothie, but fair warning, it doesn’t go well with berry smoothies. However it tastes great in juices and smoothies that feature lemon or ginger. Start with ¼ teaspoon of turmeric to start, any more than that might ruin your drink! Turmeric has a strong pungent flavor, but can easily be masked by other flavorful ingredients such as lemon and ginger.
1.
golden milk
My favorite way to incorporate Turmeric into my diet is with golden milk. It’s so simple to make from scratch, but when I am in a real rush I like to grab a spoon full of Pukka Golden Milk and mix it with warmed plant-based milk, bonus if you have a milk frother.
Check out Pukka Golden Milk HERE.
2.
anti-inflammatory turmeric tonic
Try this super simple anti-inflammatory tonic and drink daily as a healthy elixir to balance inflammation and keep your digestion movin.
Get the recipe HERE.
3.
turmeric black pepper latte
This version of golden milk can be drunk warm or iced. It’s so comforting and perfect for any weather. Complete with added black pepper to boost absorption.
Get the recipe HERE.
4.
creamy tahini hot cocoa
Curcumin is absorbed better when eaten with a healthy fat. This recipe uses tahini to increase the bioavailability of curcumin. Turmeric hot cocoa is the perfect combination of childhood nostalgia with a side of healthy benefits.
Get the recipe HERE.
5.
matcha green tea smoothie
brunch + breakfast
Kick start your day with one of the colorful and nutritious recipes below.
Whether you’re a smoothie bowl lover, or a breakfast sandwich aficionado, we’ve got something for everyone that doesn’t sacrifice health or taste.
Check them out…
1.
tangy sunshine smoothie bowl
Sit down for a refreshing morning smoothie bowl and treat yourself to a breakfast full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants.
Get the recipe HERE.
2.
savory curry oatmeal
Have you ever tried savory oatmeal? If you haven’t this is the one to start with! Plus you probably already have all the ingredients at home right now! No excuses, try something new today!
Get the recipe HERE.
3.
vegan breakfast sandwich
Everyone loves a breakfast sammie! You don’t have to give them up just because you’re eating plant-based. Don’t worry this sandwich isn’t lacking protein! Give this one a try.
Get the recipe HERE.
4.
sweet breakfast rice pudding
Did you know that by adding organic cinnamon to your food it increases the natural antioxidants of the ingredients? That’s a huge healthy reason to start your day with this turmeric cinnamon pudding. This recipe calls for a slow cooker, which makes your home smell amazing while this is cooking!
Get the recipe HERE.
5.
vegan scrambled “eggs”
Don’t worry, “eggs” are still on the menu in your plant-based kitchen! Cook up protein packed vegan eggs with this easy recipe that tastes just like the real deal!
Get the recipe HERE.
Creamy soups are perfect when you’re in a hurry or having a late dinner and don’t want to eat anything too bulky that may keep you up at night.
The silky texture of these soups are a dream for anyone who’s feeling under the weather. Plus, they are full of whole food ingredients to help keep your gut strong and immune system healthy.
1.
roasted carrot + cauliflower
This creamy dreamy soup, is topped with crunchy pumpkin seeds and chickpeas for added protein.
Get the recipe HERE.
2.
butternut squash curry soup
Indulge in seasonal produce with a bowl of this delicious butternut squash and lentil curry soup.
Get the recipe HERE.
3.
spicy pumpkin carrot soup
Add this recipe to your fall menu, this makes a lovely appetizer for the holiday season for the whole family to enjoy!
Get the recipe HERE.
4.
turmeric ginger lentil soup
A creamy filling soup that is packed with protein and fiber without sacrificing flavor.
Get the recipe HERE.
5.
roasted carrot + lentil soup
This roasted carrot and lentil soup is velvety, rich in flavor and full of protein, fiber, and antioxidants.
Get the recipe HERE.
1.
red lentil stew
Cook up this stew anytime you’re craving a warm cozy meal. Full of protein and fiber from the red lentils and packed with flavor and nutritional benefits from spices like turmeric, ginger, and garlic.
Get the recipe HERE.
2.
butternut squash + lentils
This gorgeous meal is delicious on it’s own but also makes a beautiful Thanksgiving presentation when stuffed inside of a squash. You’re family will think you slaved all day over it!
Get the recipe HERE.
3.
hearty mung bean stew
This stew is full of texture and protein from mung beans and rich in nutrition from kale, turmeric, garlic, ginger, and more. Bonus, it tastes delish!
Get the recipe HERE.
4.
tikki masala instant pot
Instant-Pot lovers, this one’s for you! This delicious Tikki Masala takes just 20 mins to prep and has a cook-time of 20mins too!
Weeknight dinner, here we come!
Get the recipe HERE.
5.
healthy mac + cheese
Happy kids, happy mom right?
This mac and cheese is completely plant-based and paired with a whole grain or legume pasta, for added protein and fiber, this dish is mama approved. This mac will quickly turn into a family favorite!
Get the recipe HERE.
recipes you'll love:
