This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Golden turmeric paste (aka golden paste) is a concentrated paste made from coconut oil, turmeric, and other spices that you can use to make tea, a golden milk latte, or stir into yogurt, smoothies, salad dressings, and curry sauces. 

A glass jar filled with turmeric paste.
Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you’ll get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Turmeric is a spice often used in Indian cuisine, making many traditional dishes have a distinct yellow coloration (like this chicken curry and prawn curry). 

If you want more comforting drinks, try our lavender teafruit smoothie, or cucumber lemon water

Why This Recipe Works

  • This golden paste recipe lasts up to three weeks and has multiple uses. 
  • Using dried turmeric is much easier and less messy than using fresh turmeric. 
  • The dried spices help the golden paste last longer than a paste made with fresh turmeric. 
  • We include coconut oil and black pepper to help your body absorb the curcumin (the anti-inflammatory ingredient found in turmeric) more effectively. 
  • One batch of this turmeric paste recipe will make 48 servings if you want to use it for a golden milk latte. 
Turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, black pepper, cardamom, coconut oil, and water.

Ingredients Needed

Here is a list of the ingredients you will need to make a golden paste recipe and a golden milk latte. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for all the details.

  • Turmeric. We bought dried turmeric powder in bulk because it is more cost-effective than the small jars sold in local grocery stores. 
  • Coconut oil. Or you can use avocado oil or extra-virgin olive oil.
  • Cinnamon.
  • Cardamom.
  • Ginger. We used dry ginger If you want to use fresh ginger (as well as fresh turmeric) the batch of golden paste will only last for 1 to 2 weeks.
  • Black pepper. You can’t taste the black pepper in this recipe. It is added because it increases the absorption of curcumin (the bioactive compound in turmeric).

To make golden milk or a golden latte, stir a small amount of the paste into some warm milk and add a splash of vanilla extract. To sweeten the drink, stir in some raw honey or maple syrup. 

If you plan to make the golden paste for dogs, you can omit the cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger. Those spices are apparently safe for dogs, but we included them primarily as a flavor enhancement. 

How to Make Turmeric Paste

Here is a brief overview to get an idea of how to make this golden paste. Scroll down to the printable recipe card for all the details.

Adding turmeric and spices to a saucepan.
  1. Add all the ingredients into a saucepan and cook on medium heat.
Cooking turmeric and spices into a thick golden paste.
  1. Stir the mixture constantly until it thickens into a paste.
  2. Store in a glass container in the fridge for up to three weeks.
Stirring turmeric paste into a pot of hot milk.

Our favorite way to use this thick turmeric paste is to make a golden latte. I stir a small amount of the turmeric paste into some hot milk, add some vanilla extract, and a drizzle of honey. I use a milk frother to create a foamy crema on top of the drink.

Pouring golden milk into a cup.
A clear glass mug filled with a golden latte.

Tips for Success

  • Keep an eye on the golden paste and stir it for at least five minutes to ensure the mixture doesn’t stick to the bottom of the saucepan.
  • Adjust the spices to your personal preference. The main ingredient is turmeric, oil, and ground pepper (to aid in absorption). We included cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger for flavor.
  • Add a teaspoon of turmeric paste to warm milk for a soothing drink.
  • Oat, almond, and coconut milk are the best non-dairy alternatives for making golden turmeric milk due to their ability to froth similarly to regular milk.
  • Pour your golden turmeric milk over ice if you want to create an iced golden latte.
  • The golden paste will not last as long if you want to use fresh ginger and turmeric root. 
  • Turmeric stains counters, plastic, and clothing easily, so be careful when handling it. Store the golden paste in stainless steel containers or glass jars. 
  • The cooking time may vary; just heat the mixture until it forms a paste. 

This golden paste recipe is a great way to make a large batch of concentrated turmeric paste that you can keep on hand and use as needed. It’s easy to make and requires only a few ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Use it to make a cup of golden milk or add it to salad dressings, stir fries, and

More Turmeric Recipes You Will Love

This homemade Thai yellow curry paste is as authentic as it gets and even rivals your favorite Thai restaurant.

Salmon with Thai Yellow Curry is easy to prepare and makes a great weeknight meal. Serve it with Jasmine rice or even sushi rice

This curry chicken and potatoes is fast, easy, and incredibly delicious. The chicken is cooked in a flavorful curry sauce made with coconut milk that gives it a rich and creamy texture.

Pin this now to find it later!

Pin It
A glass jar filled with turmeric paste.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 12 minutes
4.88 from 16 votes

Golden Turmeric Paste

Golden turmeric paste (aka golden paste) is a concentrated paste made from coconut oil, turmeric, and other spices that you can use to make tea, a golden milk latte, or stir into yogurt, smoothies, salad dressings, and curry sauces. 
The warm spices and earthy flavors make a delicious and comforting drink.

If you make this recipe, please leave a star rating and comment.

Servings: 2 cups of turmeric paste
Save This Recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Ingredients 

For the Turmeric Paste:

  • 1-¼ cups water
  • ½ cup turmeric powder
  • ¼ cup virgin coconut oil, helps increase the absorption of the turmeric
  • 3 tablespoons cinnamon powder
  • 1 tablespoon cardamom powder
  • 1 tablespoon ginger powder
  • 1-½ teaspoons black pepper, helps increase the absorption of turmeric

To Make a Golden Latte :

  • 1 cup milk, dairy or non-dairy
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons golden turmeric paste
  • teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Honey or maple syrup to taste

Instructions 

For the Turmeric Paste

  • Place all the ingredients for the turmeric paste in a small saucepan and cook on medium heat, stirring frequently, for 3 to 7 minutes or until a thick paste forms.
  • Store the turmeric paste in a glass jar with a tight lid for up to 3 weeks. .

For Golden Latte

  • Heat the milk and turmeric paste in a microwave or in a saucepan until hot. Add vanilla extract and honey to taste.
  • Use a milk frother to get a foamy crema on top of the milk.

Notes

  • The Turmeric paste has 10 calories and 1 gram of fat per teaspoon. The calories in your turmeric milk will vary based on the type of milk you choose.
  • A jar of golden paste will last up to three weeks in the fridge or three months in the freezer.
  • You can substitute the coconut oil for avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil. The oil increases the absorption of curcumin (the bioactive compound in turmeric).
  • Turmeric will leave a yellow stain on permeable surfaces like countertops and plastic storage containers. Store the turmeric paste in glass or stainless steel.
  • The golden latte in the photos was garnished with nutmeg and edible rose petals.

Nutrition

Serving: 1, Calories: 75kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 4g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

iconLike this recipe? Rate & comment below!

About Dahn Boquist

Dahn is a retired nurse, recipe creator, home cook, baker, and self-proclaimed foodie. She loves creating in the kitchen and cooking for family and friends. She lives in Washington State with her husband and dog. When she isn't cooking or baking, you can usually find her spending time with her grandchildren or exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest.

You May Also Like

4.88 from 16 votes (16 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




14 Comments

  1. June says:

    I’m really looking forward to trying this recipe. The other ingredients are also very good for you so it’s sure to have a number of health benefits.

    1. Dahn says:

      yes June, you are right all the ingredients are really healthy, I hope you enjoy it.

  2. Lee says:

    This turmeric milk is to die for… I used 100% organic whole milk as had no other milks around. Added the honey, vanilla and nutmeg… I’m in heaven 🙂 thanks for an awesome recipe!!

    DO you refrigerate the paste?

    1. Dahn says:

      Lee I’m glad you enjoyed it. The paste should be refrigerated for the best shelf life, I will add that to the recipe card. Thank you for asking and thank you for your comments

  3. Kathryn | FoodieGirlChicago says:

    I’ve heard so much about Turmeric and how good it is for you lately. This sounds like the perfect way to give it a try.

    1. Dahn says:

      It makes it very convenient to whip up a drink 🙂

  4. Christina | Christina's Cucina says:

    I’m sending this recipe to my mother! Maybe it will help her arthritis!

    1. Dahn says:

      I hope it does Christina

  5. Sara | Belly Rumbles says:

    I have been hearing so much of late of the virtues of turmeric and making some turmeric milk is high on my priority list. Making a jar of the paste up is a great idea for a golden milk fix easily.

    1. Dahn says:

      Yes Sara, it makes a great way to mix your turmeric milk quickly and easily.

  6. Katie Shields | Honestly Nourished says:

    Turmeric is such a magical (and medicinal!) spice and I love this simple recipe. Also, as a dietitian, I LOVE that you included the importance of adding a dash of black pepper and love even more that you linked to the study. Nutrition nerds unite! 😉

    1. Dahn says:

      Thanks Katie, I appreciate that.

  7. Bintu says:

    Tumeric is so good for you, and great to see a recipe using this superfood

    1. Dahn says:

      thanks Bintu, we really do like this turmeric milk as a nightcap 🙂