I used to grind spices from whole pods with a mortar and pestle. The resulting aroma was intoxicating, and it was always so exciting to see what new flavor combinations I could create.

These days, I don’t have as much time for that. I’m more likely to make a quick trip to the store for a pre-mixed spice blend than to take the time to grind my own.

But, I still love experimenting with different flavor combinations in my cooking. And, one of my current favorite spices is turmeric.

Turmeric is one of those spices that can be difficult to pair. It’s got a strong, unique flavor that can easily overwhelm other spices if you’re not careful. But when it’s paired with the right spices, it can elevate your dish.

If you’re looking for some ideas on what spices to pair with turmeric, I wrote this post for you.

Spices That Go Well With Turmeric:

Cinnamon
Garlic
Cumin
Nutmeg
Coriander
Chilli Pepper
Paprika
Cloves
Bay Leaf
Fennel Seeds
Black Pepper
Caraway Seeds
Ginger
Curry
Star Anise
Mustard Seed
Vanilla

Cinnamon

This amazing spice has a long history and was used in ancient Egypt not only for cooking but also for embalming. It is mentioned in the Bible and was very popular in Medieval Europe.

Cinnamon can be used in sweet and savory dishes alike. Its warm, woody aroma pairs well with turmeric’s earthy flavor.

I love to add a cinnamon stick to my turmeric tea or use it in a recipe for Curried Lentils with Spinach.

Garlic

This pungent, flavorful spice is used in cuisines all over the world. It’s an essential ingredient in many Indian dishes and is often used in Thai curries.

To bring out the best flavor in garlic, it’s important to cook it properly. Sautéing garlic before adding other ingredients is the best way to do this.

I love adding garlic to just about anything, but it goes especially well with turmeric in dishes like Curried Chickpeas or Roasted Cauliflower Curry.

Cumin

I think of cumin as the flavor of Indian food. Albeit, this spice is used in a variety of dishes from different r