63 Turmeric Recipes to Help Reduce Inflammation

Updated: Mar. 31, 2023

Turmeric is a key ingredient in many Indian and Middle Eastern dishes but is usually found at the back of the spice rack in American kitchens. Now that we've discovered all its many healthy benefits, it's time to pull it out and incorporate this antioxidant powerhouse into your menus.

1 / 56

Red Curry Carrot Soup

With its mix of delicious colors, textures and flavors, this easy soup is something special. The meatballs make it hearty enough to serve as a light entree. —Dilnaz Heckman, Buckley, Washington
2 / 56

Mom's Paella

I enjoy cooking ethnic foods, especially those that call for lots of rice. Like my mom, I often prepare this dish for special Sunday get-togethers. Traditional paella uses saffron, but turmeric is a budget-friendly alternative. —Ena Quiggle, Goodhue, Minnesota
3 / 56

Spicy Seafood Stew

The hardest part of this quick and easy recipe is peeling and dicing the potatoes—and you can even do that the night before. Just place the potatoes in water and store them in the refrigerator overnight to speed up assembly the next day. —Bonnie Marlow, Ottoville, Ohio
4 / 56

Slow-Cooked Curry Chicken

Our three children love the spicy flavors found in this Crock-Pot chicken curry. Add more or less curry depending on your taste preferences. —Helen Toulantis, Wantagh, New York
5 / 56

Tandoori Chicken

A hand-mixed spice rub makes ordinary chicken worthy of a special occasion. Plus, it takes awhile to marinate, so you can do other things while the spicy yogurt sauce works its magic. —Dena Leigh at Amici's Catered Cuisine, Oldsmar, Florida
6 / 56

Lemon, Ginger and Turmeric Infused Water

This turmeric, lemon, ginger water is a fantastic pick-me-up when you are feeling a little under the weather or find yourself in need of a health boost. Turmeric is commonly used in Indian cuisines, and studies indicate it’s chock-full of antioxidants. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
7 / 56

Za'atar Chicken

It's hard to find a dinner that both my husband and kids will enjoy—and even harder to find one that's fast and easy. This is it! No matter how much I make of this dish, it's gone to the last bite. —Esther Erani, Brooklyn, New York
8 / 56

Red Lentil Soup Mix

Give your friends the gift of good health. Red lentils are protein powerhouses and are loaded with folate, iron and fiber. Oh, and this soup tastes amazing too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
9 / 56

Pickled Zucchini

From zoodles to bread, zucchini is a versatile vegetable. You can even transform it into pickled zucchini, too!
10 / 56

Texas-Style Spanish Rice

The original version of this recipe was given to me by a Mexican friend, but I've modified the spices to suit my family's tastes. It's become a favorite at our house—see if it doesn't do the same at yours! —Melissa Pride, Plano, Texas
11 / 56

Contest-Winning Barbecued Chicken

When our neighborhood has a cookout, I always take along this chicken and watch it quickly disappear! My family loves this recipe because of the zesty seasoning blend and no-fuss barbecue sauce. —Linda Scott, Hahira, Georgia
12 / 56

Creole Skillet Dinner

While living in Canada, I sampled this colorful dish at a neighbor's. The following Christmas, I served it instead of my traditional turkey, and I received numerous compliments on it. I frequently substitute shrimp or sausage for the chicken ... or add all three. —Bonnie Brann, Pasco, Washington
13 / 56

Easy Refrigerator Pickles

Look no further than this easy refrigerator pickles recipe when you want pickles in a flash. Crispy, crunchy, sweet and sour—there's a lot to love about these pickles!
14 / 56

Spice-Braised Pot Roast

Just pour these ingredients over your pot roast and let the slow cooker do the work. Herbs and spices give the beef an excellent taste. I often serve this roast over noodles or with mashed potatoes, using the juices as a gravy. —Loren Martin, Big Cabin, Oklahoma
15 / 56

Southwestern Rice

I created this colorful side dish after eating something similar at a restaurant. It complements any Tex-Mex meal wonderfully. Sometimes I add cubes of grilled chicken breast to the rice to make it a meal in itself. —Michelle Dennis, Clarks Hill, Indiana
16 / 56

Summer Vegetable Soup

This vegetable soup is loaded with garden goodness, from zucchini and green beans to celery and potato, but it's the turmeric that gives it a tasty new twist. It's one of our favorite summer soups!—Edith Ruth Muldoon, Baldwin, New York
17 / 56

Favorite Bread & Butter Pickles

I made these pickles while growing up and love them because you can eat them with just about anything. Now, both of my children love these pickles too. I think you'll enjoy them as much as we do! —Linda Weger, Robinson, Illinois
18 / 56

Old-Fashioned Corn Relish

This was the first “country” recipe I received after moving away from the city—a new neighbor shared it. It’s wonderful made with garden-fresh ingredients and tasty served with your favorite meat. —Jean Peterson, Mulliken, Michigan
19 / 56

Flavorful Matzo Ball Soup

A variety of winter vegetables gives the broth for this classic Jewish soup a deep flavor. You can use a few green onions instead of the leek. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
20 / 56

Honey-Mustard Wings

Homemade baked honey-mustard wings are packed with flavor, thanks to spicy mustard and your favorite honey, and they're easy to make for any gathering.
21 / 56

Better than Egg Salad

Tofu takes on the taste and texture of egg salad in this quick-fixing sandwich from Lisa Renshaw of Kansas City, Missouri.
22 / 56

Zucchini Salsa

I received this recipe through a friend at a weight loss group. I make at least eight batches of the salsa every year. It's truly a hit with family and friends! —Cheryl Jacobsen, Warburg, Alberta
23 / 56

Caribbean Potato Soup

My bright and hearty soup features an unusual blend of ingredients, including okra, kale and black-eyed peas. No kale on hand? Use spinach instead. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
24 / 56

Lauren's Bouillabaisse

This golden-colored soup is brimming with an assortment of seafood and is paired with savory, colorful sourdough toast with spread.— Lauren Covas, New Brunswick, New Jersey
25 / 56

Yellow Summer Squash Relish

My friends can barely wait for the growing season to arrive so I can make this incredible squash relish. The color really dresses up a hot dog. —Ruth Hawkins, Jackson, Mississippi
26 / 56

Jalapeno Bread & Butter Pickles

Even the heat-shy will want to dip into these bread and butter pickles with a surprise flavor kick. Ay caramba, they are good!—Karen Owen, Rising Sun, Indiana
27 / 56

Hearty Paella

I had paella for the first time in Spain. It was so good that I've been on the quest to re-create the rich flavors ever since. We love the shrimp, chicken, veggies and olives in this easy homemade version. —Libby Walp, Chicago, Illinois
28 / 56

Curry Rice Pilaf

Salted cashews add a nice crunch to this simple rice dish flavored with curry and turmeric.
29 / 56

Zucchini Relish

Zucchini relish is a fun twist on the usual cucumber-based version, and you may find you actually prefer it. This recipe can be taken in lots of directions, so be sure to check out our variations!
30 / 56

Mango Chutney Pork Roast

Bright mango and red bell pepper really liven up this roast. The tropical fruit chutney packs a nice punch. Make an extra batch for tacos the next night. —Pamela Vitti Knowles, Hendersonville, North Carolina
31 / 56

Spicy Orange Quinoa

A creative way to serve the super grain quinoa, this recipe combines the flavors of citrus, crunchy Brazil nuts, vegetables, garlic and saffron. Cayenne and roasted peppers add a spicy accent.—Kathy Patalsky, New York, New York
32 / 56

Vidalia Onion Relish

Burgers and brats get the star treatment with this sweet onion topping. Bourbon adds a lovely caramel note, and the crushed pepper flakes turn up the heat. —Janet Roth, Tempe, Arizona
33 / 56

Cowboy Candy (Candied Jalapenos)

If you love spicy food like we do, then these tasty candied jalapenos—also known as cowboy candy—are for you! You can save the syrup to baste roasted chicken or grilled salmon, or mix it into salad dressings. Jars of this dynamite condiment make a great gift. —Rita Ladany, Edison, New Jersey
34 / 56

Chicken & Bean Chili

Chili Time is any time you want to make a hungry crowd happy. This creamy chili is a must at my soup party every year. —Theresa Baehr, Williamsburg, Michigan
35 / 56

Ginger-Kale Smoothies

Since I started making this green smoothie recipe for breakfast every day, I honestly feel better! Substitute any fruit and juice you like to make this recipe your own healthy blend.—Linda Green, Kilauea, Kauai, Hawaii
36 / 56

Spiced Maple Mustard

Have grill masters on your Christmas list? Consider giving them a special homemade mustard flavored with maple syrup, allspice and turmeric. Everyone just loves it. —Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario
37 / 56

Shrimp & Cod Stew in Tomato-Saffron Broth

I love coming inside on a cold day and smelling this comforting seafood stew simmering in the kitchen. —Lydia Becker, Kansas City, Missouri
38 / 56

Coconut Curry Vegetable Soup

I've been a vegetarian since high school, so modifying recipes to fit my meatless requirements is a challenge I enjoy. This soup tastes rich and creamy and is packed with nutrients! —Carissa Sumner, Washington, DC
39 / 56

Egg Roll Noodle Bowl

We love Asian egg rolls, but they can be challenging to make. Simplify everything with this deconstructed egg roll made on the stovetop and served in a bowl. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
40 / 56

Spice-Rubbed Chicken Thighs

For our must-have meal, we roast chicken using bone-in, skin-on thighs. This version without skin and bones has a zesty rub of turmeric, paprika and chili powder. —Bill Staley, Monroeville, Pennsylvania
41 / 56

Coconut Lentils with Rice

Years ago I made this recipe for my kids, and they loved it. One of my daughter's friends would always request this dish when she came over to visit. I recommend basmati rice for this dish. —Diane Donato, Columbus, Ohio
42 / 56

Chickpea & Potato Curry

I make chana masala, the classic Indian chickpea curry, in my slow cooker. First browning the onion, ginger and garlic really makes the sauce amazing. —Anjana Devasahayam, San Antonio, Texas
43 / 56

Grilled Cauliflower Wedges

This side is incredibly easy, yet is packed with flavor and looks like a dish from a five-star restaurant. The grill leaves the cauliflower cooked but crisp, and the red pepper flakes add bite. —Carmel Hall, San Francisco, California
44 / 56

Creamy Cauliflower Pakora Soup

My husband and I often crave pakoras, deep-fried fritters from India. I wanted to get the same flavors but use a healthier cooking technique, so I made soup using all the classic spices and our favorite veggie, cauliflower! —Melody Johnson, DePere, Wisconsin
45 / 56

Hearty Chickpea Potpie

This veggie potpie is so savory and satisfying! The spring veggies, easy prep and impressive presentation make it a perfect addition to Easter or other family dinners. —Deanna McDonald, Grand Rapids, Michigan
46 / 56

Tandoori Spiced Chicken Pita Pizza with Greek Yogurt and Cilantro

My family and I are big picnickers, and I'm always looking for new dishes to try in the great outdoors. The amazing flavors at our favorite Indian restaurant inspired these mini pizzas. —Angela Spengler, Tampa, Florida
47 / 56

Curried Quinoa Salad

Quinoa is such a fantastic salad base—it's full of protein, it adds a nutty flavor, and it's the perfect vehicle to soak up any kind of dressing. If you like a little more heat, add more cayenne or curry to the dressing. —Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta
48 / 56

Tandoori Chicken Panini

The tandoori-style spices in this chicken give it a bold flavor that’s so hard to resist. It tastes incredible tucked between pieces of naan, then grilled to make Indian-inspired panini. —Yasmin Arif, Manassas, Virginia
49 / 56

Slow-Cooked Vegetable Curry

I love the fuss-free nature of the slow cooker, but I don't want to sacrifice flavor for convenience. This cozy, spiced-up dish has both. —Susan Smith, Mead, Washington
50 / 56

Smoky Cauliflower Bites

These healthy little treats work well as a side or as fun bite size appetizers. Roasting the cauliflower adds deep flavor and gives it an irresistible crunch. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
51 / 56

North African Chicken and Rice

I'm always looking to try recipes from different cultures, and this one is a huge favorite. We love the spice combinations. This cooks equally well in a slow cooker or a pressure cooker. —Courtney Stultz, Weir, Kansas
52 / 56

Seasoned Brown Rice Pilaf

For those of us who are white rice lovers at heart, this recipe makes brown rice taste great! Everyone takes seconds; it is that good. It is so easy to prepare. To convert for vegetarians, just substitute veggie broth for the beef broth. Any leftovers are delicious the next day. —Amy Berry, Poland, Maine
53 / 56

Spicy Thai Coconut Chicken Soup

For national soup month in January, I came up with a new recipe every day. This one is my favorite! It’s so easy, with just a touch of special Thai flavors. For an even richer flavor, try using whole coconut milk. —Diane Nemitz, Ludington, Michigan
54 / 56

Breaded Curry Chicken Drummies

These drumsticks are crispy with just the right amount of zing to get your mouth watering for more! They are super easy to make and are baked rather than fried so they save on fat but not on flavor. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or assorted chicken parts can be used instead of all drumsticks. —Lynn Kaufman, Mount Morris, Illinois
55 / 56

Saucy Mediterranean Chicken with Rice

The hints of Mediterranean flavor in this chicken dish make it a family favorite. —Tabitha Alloway, Edna, Kansas
56 / 56

Pumpkin Sausage Soup

This dish is well suited to my lower-carb way of eating. It's definitely soul food, and I love that it's very simple to prepare. —Paula Diaz, Billings, Montana
Taste of Home
Originally Published in Taste of Home