It’s no secret by now that super-healthy turmeric has become the anti-inflammatory ingredient in kitchens from Boston to the Bay Area. But it all started in Bombay, as the brightly colored spice has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries.

Many studies have shown its promise in fighting a number of serious health conditions (though more studies are needed to determine its full potential), so more Western MDs like it, as much as healthy cooks do. So how do you get more of it?

From easy breakfasts to make-in-jiffy dinners, here are 18 yummy, healthy dishes to make using turmeric. —Marissa Gold

SNACKS

Carrot-Turmeric Hummus
Add an extra dose of flavor and nutrition to your basic hummus.

Savory Paleo GranolaThis nut- and seed-based granola is Paleo-friendly, in addition to offering the added health benefits of turmeric.

Lemony Eggless Egg Salad
It’s vegan, but even your egg-loving friends will like this dish.

Cajun Shrimp GuacamoleFull of satisfying flavor—and makes a crowd-pleasing party dish.

Locali’s The Mystic “Milkshake“This tasty turmeric vegan milkshake (yes, you read that right) was a huge hit with our readers.

BREAKFAST

Turmeric and Coconut PorridgeThe perfect winter breakfast for when you’re craving something other than oatmeal.

Spiced Golden Turmeric MilkThis soothing milk is super-charged with antibacterial honey, anti-inflammatory turmeric, and coconut oil to help the body absorb all of the goodness of the curcumin.

Green Mango Spa SmoothieStart your day with this clean green smoothie and you’ll feel like you’re in the waiting room at a five-star spa.

VEGETARIAN MEALS

Vegetable Cornmeal FrittersFor the vegetarian who’s tried every burger alternative, these fritters are a super-satisfying dinner.

Cauliflower Steaks with Ginger, Turmeric, and CuminA perfect healthy entrée for non-meat-eaters.

Mattar TofuWhen you think you’ve figured out every way to cook tofu…think again. This flavorful sauce is something deliciously different.

Detox Dal Winter SoupJust three main ingredients (mung beans, carrots, and Swiss chard) make up this warming, healthy soup.

Vegan and Gluten-Free Mac ‘N’ CheeseTurmeric provides mac-and-cheese’s trademark color in the absence of actual cheese—and with all of these yummy flavors, you won’t miss the dairy.

Turmeric Lentil SoupThis low-fat soup is filling thanks to fiber-containing lentils, and you’ll love the extra dose of flavor from the spices.

Spicy Broccoli DalThis yummy dish isn’t just a great way to get your veggies—the energizing, sinus-clearing spices can also help when you’re fighting off a cold.

Curry Chickpea BurgersA surprisingly easy and quick recipe filled with tons of healthy ingredients—from coconut oil and oats to carrots and chickpeas.

Middle Eastern Cabbage RollsOn a clean eating kick? This simple dish is a great, light snack or meal.

Kichari BurgersKichari, a classic Ayurvedic dish made with rice and lentils, is the base for this delicious veggie burger.

Cauliflower TabboulehGluten-free? No problem. This grain-free tabbouleh uses minced cauliflower instead.

MEAT/FISH MEALS

Turmeric-Garlic Shrimp with Mango SlawYum! When you spot some great-looking shrimp at your local grocery store, this is a great way to cook them with tons of flavor.

Steamed White Fish in Ginger and TurmericThanks to the combined powers of turmeric, ginger, lemongrass, and coriander, this simple dish is an anti-inflammatory, gut-healthy powerhouse.

Homemade Chicken and NoodlesIf chicken noodle soup were a little less soup-y, you’d get this favorite comfort food dish. Make it with the noodles of your choice (you can easily make it gluten-free by opting for brown rice or quinoa). Bonus: Kids love it too.

(Photos: Be Well With Arielle; Inspiralized.com; Deliciously Ella; Skinny Taste)  

Need a refresher on Turmeric 101? Check out our Superfood Guide.