Welcome to a celebration of health and flavor with 25 easy turmeric recipes.
Known for its antioxidant benefits, turmeric has been a staple in traditional medicine for centuries.
In this roundup, we showcase the versatility of this magical spice, from savory to sweet dishes, and discover how it can elevate your everyday dinners to a new level.
Turmeric, with its vibrant golden hue and potential medicinal properties, takes center stage in our collection of wholesome meals.
Savory turmeric recipes
Transform your dinner table into a culinary haven with savory one–pot wonders infused with the yellow hue of turmeric.
From aromatic curries to hearty stews with vegetarian protein, let the warmth of this ancient spice elevate your main courses and side dishes.
1. Curry lentil soup
We start this list with the nourishing goodness of our curry lentil soup, a hearty one-pot wonder enriched with the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric.
Packed with protein–rich lentils and a fragrant blend of spices, this wholesome meal is convenient for those seeking a satisfying and fuss–free vegetarian dinner.
2. Tofu scramble
Try a nutritious vegan breakfast in 10 minutes with our quick and easy turmeric tofu scramble.
This protein–packed delight, infused with warm and earthy turmeric and black salt notes, promises a flavorful start to your day.
3. Aloo gobi
Aloo Gobi is a vegetable–packed delight where tender cauliflower and potatoes marry in a medley of spices, with turmeric stealing the spotlight.
This Indian dish captivates your taste buds but also harnesses turmeric’s earthy and warm flavors for a delicious and nutritious dining experience.
4. Sweet potato curry
Indulge in the creamy decadence of sweet potato curry enriched with turmeric, where this golden spice complements the velvety texture of a coconut–based sauce.
Chickpeas, sweet potato, and turmeric combine a harmonious blend of hearty, earthy flavors for a plant–based dinner idea.
5. Mujadara
Lentil and rice Mujadara offer caramelized onions and aromatic spices such as cinnamon, cumin, and turmeric.
This classic Middle Eastern dish captivates the senses with its earthy flavors and makes a wholesome meal when paired with a yogurt sauce, Shirazi salad, or tabbouleh.
6. Creamy potato curry
This potato and pea curry is elevated to new heights with the golden touch of turmeric powder, infusing it with warm, earthy undertones and vibrant color.
It’s a one–pot recipe with warm naan, roti flatbread, or basmati rice.
7. Stuffed bell peppers
Indulge in a symphony of flavors with these stuffed bell peppers featuring a golden turmeric–infused rice and lentil filling.
This hearty and colorful bell pepper recipe promises a feast for the senses and offers a Mediterranean meal packed with flavor.
8. Moroccan lentil soup
Next on our list is a one-pot Moroccan Lentil Soup, a protein-packed meal with earthy lentils.
Infused with the golden hues of turmeric, this vibrant soup is a satisfying main course with pita bread or Couscous and topped with quick pickled red onions.
9. Harira
In this Moroccan Harira soup, we can taste how spices from India (turmeric and ginger) meld beautifully with cinnamon and cumin (used in Middle-Eastern and Eastern Mediterranean Recipes).
It’s a creamy and nourishing meal with over 20 grams of healthy, high-quality plant protein per small bowl.
10. Lentil curry
Try the delicious mix of flavors with our creamy lentil curry, a plant-based sensation enriched with the yellow touch of turmeric.
This velvety red lentil recipe pairs perfectly with fluffy white rice and creates a hearty, wholesome, comforting, nutritious meal.
11. Butternut squash ravioli
With this homemade butternut squash ravioli, we add a touch of warmth and color with turmeric powder to the pasta dough.
The subtle earthiness of turmeric enhances the visual appeal and adds a delightful depth of flavor to each handcrafted ricotta-stuffed bite.
12. Tofu egg salad
Revitalize your classic egg salad with a plant–based twist by mixing turmeric, tofu, and homemade mayonnaise.
The vibrant color of turmeric harmonizes well with mayonnaise and tofu chunks for a vegan alternative and quick lunch idea.
13. Carrot ginger soup
With this carrot ginger soup, turmeric intertwines with the sweet earthiness of carrots and the zesty kick of ginger.
It’s a creamy blend and a soul–soothing bowl of comfort you can serve as an appetizer or a light main meal.
14. Moroccan couscous
Transport your taste buds to Morocco with our quick and flavorful Moroccan couscous salad featuring a hint of turmeric powder.
In just 20 minutes, you can enjoy fluffy couscous and an aromatic dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is delightful.
15. Tofu tikka masala
Elevate your plant–based meal with the enticing flavors of tofu tikka masala, where turmeric and coriander spice mix infuse rich depth into the baked tofu.
You’ll love this tofu recipe because it’s easy to make, rich in protein, and excellent for a weeknight dinner and meal prep.
16. Chickpea curry
This chickpea curry is a creamy and flavorful Indian-inspired dish that combines chickpeas’ wholesome nuttiness with coconut milk’s luscious creaminess.
The golden touch of turmeric, curry warmth, and cumin’s earthiness converge to create a symphony of flavors.
17. Roasted kabocha squash soup
This roasted kabocha squash soup combines the rich and earthy flavors of kabocha squash with the fresh and exotic taste of coconut milk, turmeric, and lime.
Southeast Asian flavors inspire our soup recipe, and we think you’ll love it because it’s easy to make, healthy, and bursting with tangy and warm flavors.
18. Vegetable curry
Experience the ease of a one-pot wonder with our vegetable curry, where the yellow glow of turmeric weaves a tapestry of flavors into a medley of vibrant vegetables.
This hearty and aromatic dish takes about 30 minutes to prepare and guarantees a delightful and nutritious feast with every spoonful.
19. Chana saag
Indulge in the simplicity of chana saag, an easy 30–minute meal that offers chickpeas, spinach, and the golden warmth of turmeric.
This quick and flavorful dish promises a delicious journey into Indian–inspired cuisine, perfect for those seeking a convenient yet satisfying dining experience.
20. Chickpea stew
Savor the heartiness of chickpea stew, where sweet potatoes and turmeric unite to create a soul–warming symphony of flavors.
This comforting dish, served alongside warm pita bread, offers a delightful fusion of spices and a cozy and fulfilling dinner.
21. Potato frittata
It’s a mix between an omelet and a quiche; it’s soft, tasty, and perfectly moist.
This potato frittata is made with chickpea flour and turmeric, baked in the oven, and without eggs, making it super easy and healthy.
Desserts with turmeric
Satisfy your sweet cravings with a unique twist by exploring desserts infused with turmeric’s warm and earthy notes.
These sweet treats offer delicious egg-free alternatives, from golden-hued pastry creams to decadent turmeric-spiced desserts.
22. Vegan lemon curd
Vegan lemon curd offers vibrant citrus notes that blend seamlessly with the golden touch of turmeric, creating a luscious treat without the need for eggs.
This creamy delight is terrific in a vegan lemon tart and egg-free lemon bars.
23. No-egg custard
Indulge in the velvety decadence of vegan custard, where the golden touch of turmeric powder adds a warm hue and subtle earthiness.
Infused with fragrant vanilla, this dairy-free delight promises a lusciously creamy dessert that complements apple cake, fruit tart, and vegan croissants.
24. Kiwi tart
Savor the vibrant sweetness of our homemade kiwi tart, featuring an egg–free pie crust that’s both light and flaky.
Crowned with a luscious custard infused with turmeric and sliced kiwi, it’s a visually appealing and utterly delicious dessert for any occasion.
25. Egg-free crepes
We end this list with our vegan crepes recipe drizzled with homemade hazelnut spread and topped with banana.
With a whisper of turmeric, these crepes bring a delightful twist to a classic dish, making them a must-try for those seeking an egg–free breakfast.
What goes well with turmeric?
Turmeric is commonly used in curry recipes, soups, stews, and rice dishes.
It can also be used to add flavor and color to:
- Roasted vegetables
- Fried tofu
- Egg-free alternatives, such as frittata.
- Golden milk, teas, shots, and smoothies.
For many more dinner ideas, check out our mains category page.
Turmeric recipes
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion chopped
- 2 carrots cut into discs
- 3 cloves garlic grated
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated
- 2 teaspoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes more or less to taste
- 5 cups vegetable broth or more if needed
- 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup dry lentils green or brown
- 1 pound potatoes peeled and cut into bite-size chunks
- 5 ounces kale or spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoons salt or more to taste
- 2 twists black pepper
- 1 lime optional, to squeeze on top
Instructions
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add 1 large onion (chopped) and 2 carrots cut into thin slices and fry them gently for 3 minutes.Add 3 cloves garlic (grated), 1 teaspoon ginger (grated), 2 teaspoons curry powder, 1 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes and fry for one more minute, stirring often.
- Add 5 cups vegetable broth, 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes, 1 cup dry lentils (rinsed), 1 pound potatoes (peeled and diced), 5 ounces kale (chopped), and season with 1 teaspoons salt and 2 twists black pepper.
- Cover with a lid, bring to a boil on high heat, then crack the top open and let it simmer on medium heat for about 30 minutes or until the lentils are cooked. Stir occasionally.
- Taste and adjust for salt and spices, then serve the soup in a bowl with a squeeze of lime or lemon on top and optionally some fresh cilantro or parsley.
Notes
Nutrition
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Welcome to The Plant-Based School, a food blog with vegetarian and vegan recipes.