Turmeric is a spice commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, and is made from the root of the turmeric plant. Its history can be traced back thousands of years to ancient civilizations in Southeast Asia, where it was widely used for medicinal purposes as well as for flavoring food.

Turmeric has a warm, slightly bitter, and earthy flavor and is often used in savory dishes. It is a key ingredient in many Indian dishes, including curry powder, which gives curries their distinctive yellow color. It is also used to flavor rice dishes, soups, stews, and sauces. In Middle Eastern cuisine, turmeric is used in dishes such as hummus, lentil soup, and tabbouleh.

One of the key components of turmeric is curcumin, which is responsible for its yellow color and has been shown to have powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties have led to a growing body of research exploring its potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of certain types of cancer, improving cognitive function, and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Aside from its culinary and medicinal uses, turmeric has also been used in traditional Hindu rituals and as a dye for cloth. In India, turmeric is considered a sacred spice and is used in wedding ceremonies to symbolize purity and prosperity.

When using turmeric in cooking, it is important to note that a little goes a long way, as its intense color can easily overpower other flavors. It can be used fresh, dried, and ground into a powder, and is often combined with other spices such as ginger, cinnamon, and cumin to create complex and aromatic blends.

Here are some of the dishes that go well with turmeric:

1. Rice dishes - Turmeric is a common ingredient in rice dishes like biriyani and yellow rice.

2. Soups and stews - It can be used to add depth of flavor to soups and stews, particularly those made with lentils or vegetables.

3. Curries - Turmeric is one of the key ingredients in many Indian curries, and is often used to add color and flavor to dishes like chicken tikka masala and vegetable korma.

4. Seafood - Turmeric can be used to add flavor to seafood dishes like salmon or shrimp.

5. Eggs - Turmeric is sometimes used in scrambled eggs or omelets to add color and flavor.

6. Roasted vegetables - Sprinkling turmeric on roasted vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, or cauliflower can enhance their natural sweetness and add a warm, earthy flavor.

7. Rubs and marinades - Turmeric can be used in spice rubs or marinades to add flavor to meats, poultry, or vegetables before cooking.