Cooking with Turmeric Powder: Delicious Pakistani, Indian, and Continental Recipes to Try

Cooking with Turmeric Powder , often called the golden spice, is a staple in kitchens worldwide. Known for its vibrant colour and distinct flavour, this spice enhances dishes’ taste and offers numerous health benefits. This article explores delicious recipes from Pakistani, Indian, and Continental cuisines using turmeric powder.

Health Benefits of Turmeric Powder

Before diving into the recipes, it’s essential to understand why turmeric powder is so highly valued. Turmeric is primary active compound is curcumin, which has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Turmeric has been used in traditional chinese medicines for centuries to treat various ailments, from digestive issues to joint pain.

Boosts Immunity

Cooking with turmeric powder boosts the immune system, making it an excellent addition to your diet, especially during flu season.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Cooking with turmeric powder santi-inflammatory properties that benefit people suffering from chronic inflammation and pain, such as arthritis.

Improves Digestion

Cooking with turmeric powder aids digestion and alleviates bloating and gas.

Pakistani Recipes & Cooking with turmeric powder

1. Chicken Karahi

Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• 2 large onions, finely sliced
• 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• 1 cup yogurt
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• 4 tablespoons oil

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a fry pan and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
2. Add the onions to the pan once they are golden brown.
3. Saute the ginger garlic paste for a minute.
4. Cook the chicken pieces until they are white.
5. Mix in chopped tomatoes, turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Oil will separate as the tomatoes soften.
6. Cook for another 10 minutes after adding yogurt.
7. Add garam masala and fresh coriander leaves to the top.
8. Serve hot with naan or rice.

2. Aloo Gosht (Potato and Meat Curry)

Ingredients:

• 500 grams mutton
• 3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 large onions, finely sliced
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped
• 4 tablespoons oil

Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a pot and add sliced onions. Cook until golden brown.
2. Sauté ginger garlic paste for a few minutes
3. Add the mutton pieces and cook until browned.
4. Chop tomatoes, add turmeric powder, red chilli powder, coriander powder, and salt. Cook until tomatoes are soft.
5. Add potatoes and enough water to cover the meat and potatoes. Cook until the meat is tender and the potatoes are soft.
6. Add garam masala and coriander leaves to the top
7. Serve hot with rice or naan.

Indian Recipes Cooking with turmeric powder

1. Turmeric Rice (Haldi Chawal)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 2 bay leaves
• 4 cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 large onion, finely sliced
• 3 tablespoons oil
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped

Instructions:

1. Soak the basmati rice in water for 30 minutes after thoroughly rinsing it.
2. Heat oil in a pot and add cumin seeds, bay leaves, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for a minute.
3. Add the onions to the pan once they are golden brown.
4. Add the soaked rice to the pot after draining. Sauté for a few minutes
5. Four cups of water, turmeric powder, and salt should be added.
6. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer until the rice is fully cooked and the water is absorbed.
7. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and fluff the rice with a fork.
8. Serve hot with curry or raita.

2. Dal Tadka

Ingredients:

• 1 cup split yellow lentils (moong dal)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 2 dried red chilies
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste
• 2 green chilies, slit
• 4 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped

Instructions:

1. Rinse the lentils thoroughly and cook them with turmeric powder and salt in 3 cups of water until soft.
2. Heat ghee in a pan and add cumin, mustard, and dried red chillies. Let them splutter.
3. Add chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.
4. Add ginger garlic paste and green chilies. Sauté for a minute.
5. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they soften and the oil separates.
6. Pour the tempering over the cooked lentils and mix well.
7. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
8. Serve hot with steamed rice or roti.

Continental Recipes with Turmeric Powder

1. Turmeric Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 large carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 6 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot and add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
2. Sauté for another minute with minced garlic.
3. Brown the chicken pieces in the pan.
4. Add turmeric powder, dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
5. Bring the chicken broth to a boil.
6. Let the heat simmer for 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked and the flavours are well blended.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley.
8. Serve hot with crusty bread.

2. Turmeric Roasted Vegetables

Ingredients:

• 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
• 2 large potatoes, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh rosemary, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Combine chopped vegetables, turmeric powder, paprika, dried oregano, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.Make sure the vegetables are evenly coated by tossing well.
3. A baking sheet should be lined with a single layer of vegetables
4. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until vegetables are tender and golden brown.
5. Garnish with fresh rosemary.
6. As a side dish or on its own, serve hot

Turmeric in Baking

1. Turmeric Banana Bread

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas, mashed
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a loaf pan.
2. Mix mashed bananas and melted butter in a large bowl.
3. Add sugar, beaten eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well.
4. Add turmeric powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until well combined.
5. Once the flour is combined, add it gradually..
6. The batter should be poured into a greased loaf pan
7. Bake in the oven for 60-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
8. Transfer the bread to a wire rack after cooling in the pan for 10 minutes
9. Slice and serve.

2. Turmeric Cookies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy
3. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract.
4. Add turmeric powder, baking powder, and salt. Mix well.
5. Add the flour gradually until a dough forms.
6. Spoon spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
7. The edges should be lightly golden after baking for 10-12 minutes.
8. Before transferring the cookies to a wire rack, let them cool on the baking sheet.
9. Served with tea or coffee.

Conclusion

Cooking with turmeric powder can elevate the flavours of your dishes while providing numerous health benefits. From the rich and aromatic Pakistani and Indian cuisines to the comforting Continental recipes, turmeric adds a unique touch to various meals. Whether making a hearty curry, a flavorful rice dish, or even baking, turmeric powder is a versatile ingredient that deserves a place in your kitchen.

Incorporating these recipes into your culinary repertoire allows you to enjoy turmeric powder’s delicious and health-boosting qualities in diverse and exciting ways.

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