Homemade Turmeric Paste Recipe – And How to Use It

Turmeric is a warm, bitter spice that contains a wealth of nutrients – and as the world has begun to sing its praises, more of us are interested in how to use it in our everyday cooking. You may have noticed an increase in turmeric products on the shelves at grocery stores, including turmeric pastes and powdered mixes. These products are usually delicious but pricey – and you can easily make them at home! We are obsessed with this homemade turmeric paste recipe because it’s packed with nutrition and is incredibly versatile in recipes.

Culinary Nutrition Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric contains a number of beneficial compounds, but one of the most studied components of turmeric is called curcumin. This potent polyphenol:

• Reduces inflammation and pain throughout the body
• Modulates and stimulates the immune system
• Helps combat damage to our DNA
• Helps fight cancer
• Improves digestion by protecting the gastrointestinal lining and encouraging the beneficial gut bacteria
• Protects bones and joints
• Shields the liver from liver-associated diseases

Fresh Or Dried?

You can use either fresh turmeric or dried turmeric in your cooking. Dried turmeric is often more accessible at grocery stores and online, which is why we’ve used it in this homemade turmeric paste recipe. However, if you can find fresh, you can finely grate it for use – you’ll need to double the amount as the dried version is more concentrated. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tsp dried turmeric you’ll need to use 2 tsp fresh.

Homemade Turmeric Paste Recipe

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Turmeric Paste Recipe Modifications

The recipe above is a very basic paste but you can adjust to suit your taste preferences. Consider adding:

• Ginger (fresh grated or powder)
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cardamom
• Cloves
• Fresh or dried garlic
• Black pepper
• Coconut milk instead of water (or another nut/seed milk)
• Raw honey, maple syrup or another natural sweetener

What you add will depend on whether you will be using your paste in a sweet or savory context – you probably don’t want fresh garlic in your elixir recipes, and you might not want raw honey in a sandwich spread!

How to Use This Homemade Turmeric Paste Recipe

There are many ways that you can experiment with this paste in your recipes! Turmeric is a strong flavour if you’re not used to it, so start small and work your way up. Try using 1/8 tsp or 1/4 tsp to start and then add more if the flavour isn’t potent enough for you.

Sweet Options

• Dairy-free elixirs
• Golden milk (a turmeric-infused nut or seed milk)
• Smoothies and smoothie bowls
• Herbal teas
• Dairy-free ice cream
• Gluten-free treats like cookies, muffins, frosting, cake, etc.
• Dairy-free chocolate recipes
• Hot chocolate
• Dairy-free cheesecake
• Kombucha
• Nut or seed butters
• Sweet oatmeal
• Chia pudding

Savory Options

• Dips and sandwich spreads (you can even use it on its own as a sandwich spread)
• Dairy-free cheese recipes
• Soups, curries and stews
• Infused ghee
• Omelettes or frittatas
• Stir-fried with dark leafy greens
• Scrambled tofu
• Homemade sauces
• Gluten-free noodle dishes
• Homemade stocks and broths
• Salad dressings
• Cashew cream
• Stir into gluten-free grains
• Gluten-free crackers 
• Gluten-free breads
• Savory oatmeal and other savory breakfast recipes
• Vegan or meat burger patties

How to Solve Turmeric Stains

Be warned: turmeric can stain your appliances, kitchen tools and countertops. Even when you’re careful, turmeric stains happen! Some solutions that our Culinary Nutrition Experts have tried and tested:

• Baking soda and vinegar
• Baking soda and lemon juice
• Leaving the appliance out in the sunshine (this obviously works for tools and appliances you can take outside like your blender)
• Castile soap and hot water
• Time (stains lesson over time)
• Accepting the stains as a sign of a well-used appliance and the enjoyment of delicious food!

If you’ve given this homemade turmeric paste recipe a try or if you’ve used it in a way we haven’t mentioned or thought of, please let us know!