Turmeric, the queen of spices has wider utilization in Asian countries from time immemorial. While turmeric extensive use is attributed to its characteristic color and smell it incurs to the dishes, its capability to treat and prevent chronic debilitating conditions makes it an empowered herb. Therefore, the supplementation of this unique herb in daily food is recommended widely across the globe.
Since turmeric is not a staple spice in western cuisines therefore people here are not as comfortable in its use the way Asians do. Looking for the substitute of turmeric!!!!! Well here are few of them which can be experimented.
Saffron
Saffron, one of the ancient spices with high repute can be considered as the most suitable substitute for turmeric in terms of color and flavor. Despite being expensive alternative, saffron provides a bright yellow color with orange tint and a taste bit similar to turmeric.
Typical Indian curry powder
If your last packet of turmeric is finished, don’t panic. Try the curry powder kept in your kitchen cabinet. As curry powder is a blend of several spices including turmeric, it gives the same aroma to your dish.
Annatto Extract
Annatto extract is derived from seeds of Achiote tree and have yellow golden colour with orange tint. If you are allergic to turmeric or lacking turmeric in your kitchen, use annatto. It is recommended to boil annatto seeds in water for about 30 minutes and then use the water to flavor your dish.
Cumin
Cumin, the pungent bitter spice can be used as a substitute of turmeric. If you want to flavor your dish with a different aroma and spicy taste, try cumin. Cumin blended along with ginger and garlic gives a distinct lip smacking aroma to the dish.
Ginger
One of turmeric’s most well-known and widely available relatives, the ginger plant lends a flavor similar to its bittersweet cousin. Turmeric lacks the spicy punch associated with ginger, so ginger may cause unexpected changes in flavor when it is used in sufficiently large quantities. Additionally, ginger does not grant food the bright-yellow coloration characteristic of the turmeric spice. Hence if ginger is going to be your choice then smartly choose the quantity and blend it with coloring agents like saffron.
Roasted paprika
Supplementation of roasted paprika in combination with mace can also serve as a smart alternative of turmeric. Smoked paprika effectively substitutes for the characteristic golden yellow color of turmeric while mace will complement for the spiciness and taste.
Cumin
Alike ginger, cumin can also be a partial alternate of turmeric. Owing to its bitter taste, cumin can mimic the turmeric however additional coloring agent is required to achieve the yellow color.
Mustard
Mustard is commercially available in several varieties. In terms of turmeric substitution, yellow mustard seeds in grounded powdered form can serves as a coloring complement. But beware for the quantity applied to the dish as mustard seeds have sharp pungent aroma which is much higher than turmeric.
Keep enjoying the food experimentation and be a classy chef on your own!!!!!!!!!
