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Golden turmeric paste is a concentrated spice paste made with turmeric powder, coconut oil, and warm spices. It comes together in about 10 minutes, then keeps well in the refrigerator so you can stir a spoonful into warm milk for golden milk, blend it into smoothies, or whisk it into sauces and dressings.
Here’s Why This Turmeric Paste Recipe Works
The spices are already balanced: I like building the cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and black pepper into the paste so each cup of golden milk tastes consistent. You are not measuring several spices every time you want a latte.
A short cook keeps it smooth: In testing, the paste works best when it is cooked just until thick. If it goes too long, it can get too thick in the jar which makes it harder to whisk into milk.
The oil makes the paste easier to use: Coconut oil gives the paste a richer texture and helps it blend into warm milk instead of staying gritty at the bottom of the cup.
The paste is unsweetened, so each serving can be finished with honey, maple syrup, vanilla, or nothing at all.
Ingredient Notes
Turmeric powder: Use a fresh jar if yours has been sitting for a long time. Older turmeric can taste dull and dusty instead of earthy and warm.
Coconut oil: Coconut oil gives the paste body and a subtle richness. Avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil can also work if you do not want coconut flavor.
Cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom: These spices soften the earthy edge of turmeric and make the paste taste more like a golden latte base than plain turmeric.
Black pepper: A small amount of black pepper is traditional in golden milk blends. It should be noticeable enough to warm the paste, but not so much that the drink tastes sharp.
Milk and sweetener: Use dairy milk or your favorite non-dairy milk for the latte. Sweeten each cup to taste with honey or maple syrup.
The warm spices also work well in curry sauces. Make your own Thai Yellow Curry Paste, then put it to good use in my Thai Yellow Curry Chicken.
Recipe Tips
Stir often: Turmeric powder settles quickly, so keep the paste moving while it cooks.
Stop when it thickens: The paste should look thick and glossy, not dry or crumbly.
Use glass for storage: Turmeric stains plastic and some porous surfaces, so glass jars are the easiest option.
Start small in drinks: Use 1 teaspoon of paste per cup of milk, then add more if you want a stronger flavor.
Sweeten after heating: Add honey or maple syrup to the finished drink so you can adjust each serving.
Expect it to firm up: The paste thickens as it cools in the refrigerator. If it seems very firm, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
How to Use Golden Paste
For a golden latte, heat 1 cup of milk with 1 to 2 teaspoons of golden paste, then add vanilla and sweetener to taste. A milk frother gives the drink a foamy top, but a small whisk works too.
The paste can also be stirred into yogurt, blended into smoothies, whisked into salad dressing, or added to curry sauces. Because the flavor is concentrated, start with a small amount and build from there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Golden turmeric paste is often called golden paste. It is a concentrated turmeric mixture that can be stirred into warm milk, tea, smoothies, sauces, or dressings.
Store the paste in a glass jar with a tight lid in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Yes. Avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil can be used instead of coconut oil. The flavor will change slightly depending on the oil you choose.
Yes. Turmeric can stain plastic, wood, fabric, and some countertops. Use glass or stainless steel when possible and wipe spills right away.
Golden Turmeric Paste
This golden paste is a useful make-ahead base for quick turmeric lattes and simple ways to add warm spice to drinks, smoothies, and sauces. Keep the jar chilled, stir before using, and adjust each serving to taste.
Blend a spoonful into smoothies like my Green Power Smoothie for a veggie-packed option or my Strawberry Protein Smoothie for a creamy, protein-rich breakfast.
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Golden Turmeric Paste
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Ingredients
For the Turmeric Paste:
- 1 ¼ cups water
- ½ cup turmeric powder
- ¼ cup coconut oil
- 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cardamom powder
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper
To Make a Golden Latte :
- 1 cup milk, dairy or non-dairy
- 1 to 2 teaspoons golden turmeric paste from above
- ⅛ teaspoon vanilla extract
- honey, or maple syrup to taste
Instructions
For the Turmeric Paste
- Add the water, turmeric, coconut oil, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and black pepper to a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 3 to 7 minutes until the mixture becomes thick and glossy.
- 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
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!
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.
yes June, you are right all the ingredients are really healthy, I hope you enjoy it.
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?
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
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.
It makes it very convenient to whip up a drink 🙂
I’m sending this recipe to my mother! Maybe it will help her arthritis!
I hope it does Christina
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.
Yes Sara, it makes a great way to mix your turmeric milk quickly and easily.
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! 😉
Thanks Katie, I appreciate that.
Tumeric is so good for you, and great to see a recipe using this superfood
thanks Bintu, we really do like this turmeric milk as a nightcap 🙂