Turmeric is a common spice in Indian cooking. In fact, it is a ubiquitous spice that is used in almost every Indian dish because of the savoury flavour it imparts and the tremendous health benefits it brings. turmeric in Indian cooking adds a rich aroma and flavour and an attractive colour to almost every dish. Very often, turmeric is used as a substitute for saffron (Curcuma longa)because it possesses a similar flavour and color but is less expensive than saffron. In fact, you will often see turmeric labelled as curcumin because of the botanical name attributed to saffron; however, turmeric is a type of ginger and is not actually related to saffron. turmeric for Indian cooking is collected as a root which is peeled, dried and powdered to be used in a wide variety of ways. In Asian cooking, the fresh root is used in much the same way ginger root is used.
While it is a lot of fun to learn specific Indian recipes for use of turmeric, it is not entirely necessary. turmeric is used in many ways in commercial products such as ballpark mustard, Worcestershire sauce and number of other condiments. Additionally, it is such a pleasing spice in so many ways, it is easy to add it to many non-Indian recipes. Keeping a shaker of it on your table is a good idea and an excellent way to add its proven immune system building, anti-oxidant, cancer fighting properties to your daily diet.
Curry Is The Best Known Use Of turmeric In Indian Cooking
Tasty, spicy, exotic Indian curry dishes make great use of turmeric, and commercial curry powders are made mostly of turmeric. Curry powders only exist because of the British occupation of India. When the British tasted all of the fabulous types of curry dishes served in India, they invented the spice blend known as curry powder, which consists of all of the spices commonly used in Indian cooking. These are typically paprika, cardamom, mace, fenugreek, cloves, red peppers, nutmeg, saffron and of course, turmeric. In fact, turmeric is the main ingredient in curry powder, so you can easily add turmeric to your diet by simply making good use of curry powder. While turmeric certainly provides the best health support of all the spices included in curry powder, it is interesting to know that the other spices are also quite beneficial to health.
A Traditional Indian Curry Recipe
This recipe for vegetable curry can be modified and expanded to make other types of curry. In Indian cooking, curry sauce is a staple that can be used for all manner of basic dishes.
You will need:
A large Dutch oven and a medium sauce pan.
Gently Sauté The Veggies
- Adequate high-heat oil for sautéing (about 2-3 tablespoons)
- A green bell pepper and a red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- A medium sized cubed eggplant (no need to peel)
- A medium sized cubed and peeled sweet potato
- Two chopped carrots
- One chopped onion
Sauté these ingredients over medium heat in the Dutch oven for about five minutes. It is important to note that in traditional Indian cooking, olive oil is used; however, this is not a healthy choice for cooking. Peanut oil is a healthier medium to high heat cooking oil. Olive oil can be added after cooking for flavour if desired.
Prepare The Curry Sauce
- Adequate high-heat oil for sautéing (about 2-3 tablespoons)
- A tablespoon of commercial curry powder, a teaspoon of turmeric powder, a teaspoon of cinnamon and half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- Three cloves of minced garlic
- Two teaspoons of sea salt
Saute these ingredients in the saucepan for about three minutes then add them to the veggie mixture in the Dutch oven. Add the following ingredients to the mixture:
Add The Final Ingredients
- A medium bunch of fresh spinach cleaned and stemmed or a 10-ounce package of frozen spinach (See special note below!)
- One large can of chickpeas (15 ounces, drained and rinsed)
- A quarter of a cup of blanched almonds
- A medium sliced zucchini (no need to peel)
- Two tablespoons of raisins
- A cup of orange juice
Simmer for 20 minutes more over low/medium heat. You want to be able to leave the ingredients gently simmering without disturbing and with the lid closed for the entire time. It is important to note that, if you are using fresh spinach, you should delay adding it. Simmer the mixture for twenty minutes, add the fresh spinach and simmer for another 5 minutes. If using frozen spinach, you can add it along with the other ingredients.
You should not stir vigorously to mix these ingredients. Instead, layer them in the Dutch oven and allow them to gently simmer together. If adding spinach at the end, give the mixture one or two gentle stirs, then add the fresh spinach on top, cover and allow it to steam. Stir or toss the ingredients gently before stirring. If using frozen spinach, just set the frozen block of spinach on top of the other ingredients and allow it to thaw and steam for the 20 minutes of simmering time. When the time is up, gently toss or stir all ingredients before serving.
Turmeric In Indian Cooking Is Not The Only Way To Use Turmeric
You can use the basic curry sauce presented here as a sauce for a wide variety of meats, veggies, tofu and other foods. Your imagination is really the only limit. Additionally, you can simply shake turmeric or curry powder into egg dishes, add a teaspoon of turmeric and a tablespoon of high heat oil to rice while cooking and generally add turmeric or curry powder to a wide variety of everyday dishes to enjoy unparalleled flavour and health benefits.
