How to Use Turmeric in Recipes
Turmeric is sometimes called Oriental saffron because, like saffron, it gives foods a vivid yellow color. Ground, dried turmeric, an inexpensive and easy-to-find spice, comes from the root of a plant similar to ginger. It gives yellow American mustard its familiar intense color. Use turmeric as a substitute for pricey saffron in savory dishes, and to add flavor and color to Indian curries, Thai curries and tofu salads. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Use turmeric to replace saffron in savory dishes. Saffron threads are rare and expensive, and turmeric will give dishes a similar warm yellow-orange shade while imparting complementary flavor. Saffron and turmeric don't taste the same - turmeric is earthy and astringent, while saffron is aromatic. However, both spices go well in stews.
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Use turmeric in Indian vegetable, legume, meat and rice dishes. Turmeric is a key ingredient many Indian dishes, and is a must for anyone preparing Indian cuisine. Indian curry powders always contain turmeric, which gives them their characteristic color. Add turmeric to Indian dishes along with the vegetables and cooking liquid. Do not saute turmeric in oil because the intense heat can make it bitter.
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Add turmeric to Asian-style curries.The tangy, brothy noodle bowl has heat from Thai red curry paste, richness from coconut milk, soy sauce and peanuts, and refreshing zestiness from lime juice. Turmeric imparts vivid color, and its earthiness rounds out the flavors.
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Give mock egg salad recipes made from tofu an attractive yellow color by sprinkling in turmeric. While tofu mock egg salad recipes may go in any number of directions, use this recipe as a base. Mash up a block of extra-firm tofu or chop it into small cubes. Add a couple tbsp. mayonnaise, a finely minced clove of garlic, 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar, a good dollop of mustard and 1/4 tsp. turmeric and stir well. Salt and pepper to taste, and add more vinegar or mayo if necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
For a crunchy tofu salad, add chopped celery, red bell pepper and onion and dill pickle relish to the base recipe.
For a curry tofu salad, augment the basic recipe with 1 tsp. curry powder, raisins, chopped roasted walnuts and chopped celery or pepper. Add a bit more curry powder or turmeric to intensify seasoning and color, and top with chopped cilantro leaves.
Don't use turmeric to replace saffron in dessert recipes. Turmeric's earthy flavor profile won't jibe well with delicate puddings or sweets.
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