Fall Turmeric Paste Recipe

Fall is a perfect time of year to start to tune to more cozy practices. Some of also start to feel some aches and pains or plain cold! I can always use more warming drinks especially as we head into a more vata time of year. Tumeric paste is a great thing to have on hand to use in multiple ways. You can add it to the milk of your choice for golden milk lattes, Yum! You can add it to oatmeal or yogurt. Really anything else that sounds good to you. I love putting a lot of warming spices in mine and adding in honey for those additional benefits too! Give it a try!

Some benefits of turmeric include:

  • It helps reduce inflammation: Research has shown curcumin — the active ingredient in turmeric — has strong anti-inflammatory properties. This matters because chronic inflammation can suppress your immune system and lead to other issues.

  • It can boost immunity: Thanks to the antibacterial properties in turmeric and ginger.

  • It's delicious: There are lots of flavor variations in turmeric pastes. You can play around with the spices but I love a rich blend of turmeric, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper and coconut oil. Together, these give a warming flavor

    Another fun variation you can try is Turmeric Honey paste!

ingredients

  • Water: 1.5 cups To boil and reduce the paste.

  • Turmeric: 1/3 of a cup or 8 inches fresh The star ingredient. You can use ground or fresh turmeric. Ground will be much easier in this recipe.

    • Dried Turmeric: Will make a slightly grittier paste, with more intense flavor and color.

    • Fresh Turmeric: Will makes a smoother paste, with a less intense flavor and color. Be careful of stains.

  • Cinnamon: 2 tsp. A warming spice and anti-inflammatory.

  • Black Pepper: 1 tsp Adds a little spice and flavor but also assists our bodies in absorbing curcumin.

  • Coconut oil: 1/4 cup Helps the body absorb curcumin.

  • Ginger: 4 tsp An optional add in. A warming spice. Gives a sweet and spicy flavor. Ginger also has tons of health benefits including aiding digestion.

    Cardamom: 2 tsp An optional add in. Cardamom is another warming spice that pairs perfectly with cinnamon and ginger.

Variations

  • Remove the extra add-ins: Although turmeric can be effective on its own, by mixing it with other good-for-you ingredients like cinnamon and ginger we get to enhance its healing properties. With that being said, you can make this paste just by using turmeric powder, coconut oil, black pepper, and water.

  • Adjust the extra add-ins: The most popular golden paste add-ins are ginger, cardamom, nutmeg and vanilla. Feel free to play with the amount of ginger and cardamom in this recipe. You can also add in vanilla extract, vanilla bean and cardamom.

  • Make it sweet: You can add honey directly into the paste. This doesn’t need to be heated, so stir it in at the end. This also gives you all the additional benefits of honey too. Try some local honey for even more health bene’s

  • Use a different healthy fat: If you're not a fan of coconut oil, swap in ghee, which was used in traditional Ayurvedic recipes.

Instructions

If using fresh turmeric, then you’ll need to prepare it first. It should be peeled, chopped and blended. This can be done using a blender, coffee grinder or food processor. If you're using store bought turmeric powder, then simply hit the next step.

  • Combine the water, turmeric, ground ginger and cinnamon in a small saucepan and heat on medium to until it just begins to boil

  • Turn the burner down to medium-low. Stir the mixture for 8-10 minutes until it reduces to form a thick paste.

  • Remove from heat and stir in coconut oil and freshly ground black pepper.

  • Transfer to a jar with a lid. Let it cool to room temperature and store in the fridge up to 2 weeks

Some notes

  • If the paste is too thick, add a little extra water.

  • If the paste is too thin, add a little extra turmeric.

  • It’s best to use freshly ground whole black pepper.

  • Turmeric will stain kitchen tools, cutting boards, and you. Use your favorite clearer or try baking soda and lemon to clean any stains as soon as possible.

How do I store this???

  • Fridge: If using fresh ingredients, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If using dry ingredients, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four weeks.

  • Freezer: This turmeric paste can also be frozen into single serve portions. To do so, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then spoon teaspoon portions onto the tray and place in freezer. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-friendly container and store for up to three months. You can freeze bigger portions, but a teaspoon portions is used to make golden milk, so easy for that.

Enjoy!!!

Play around make it your own. Over time you will figure out what you like more of and shift the recipe to fit your needs. Try it in different things.

Tiffany Lodes