Turmeric and sumac can be combined in certain dishes. Sumac has a tangy, lemony flavor that pairs well with the earthy, slightly bitter flavor of turmeric. Together, they can add depth of flavor and complexity to a dish.
It’s important to note that sumac is often used as a finishing spice, while turmeric is typically used in cooking. Therefore, when combining the two, it’s best to add the sumac towards the end of the cooking process or as a garnish.
Turmeric And Sumac Explained
Turmeric is a vibrant yellow spice often used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. It has a slightly bitter, earthy flavor with a subtle hint of ginger.
Sumac, on the other hand, is a reddish-purple spice with a tart, lemony flavor used in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes.
The combination of turmeric‘s earthy and slightly bitter notes with the tangy and bright flavor of sumac can add complexity to a dish, creating a balance between the two flavors. The two spices can work well together in marinades, dressings, and rubs for meat, poultry, fish, and vegetables.
Dishes That Combine Turmeric And Sumac
Turmeric and sumac are often used together in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. Here are some dishes that combine the two:
- Chicken Shawarma: Chicken is marinated with a spice blend that includes turmeric and sumac before being grilled or roasted. The image at the top of article shows a typical shawarma sandwich.
- Mujadara: A Middle Eastern dish made with lentils, rice, and caramelized onions, seasoned with a blend of spices that includes turmeric and sumac.
- Kofta: These are Middle Eastern meatballs or kebabs made with ground meat, spices, and herbs, including turmeric and sumac.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted root vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and beets, are delicious when seasoned with a mixture of turmeric and sumac.
- Labneh: A Middle Eastern strained yogurt cheese, seasoned with sumac and turmeric, is a tangy and flavorful dip for vegetables or pita bread.
Turmeric and Sumac Roasted Chicken Thighs
Below is a recipe that combines turmeric and sumac to get you started.
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon sumac
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- In a small bowl, mix together the turmeric, sumac, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the chicken thighs in a baking dish or cast iron skillet.
- Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken thighs, making sure they are evenly coated.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken thighs.
- Roast the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving with lemon wedges.
Note: You can also add chopped garlic and onion to the spice rub for added flavor.
Turmeric And Sumac Comparison
| Criteria | Turmeric | Sumac |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | Slightly bitter and earthy with a hint of ginger-like flavor | Tangy and slightly sour with a lemony flavor |
| Color | Bright yellow-orange | Deep red |
| Origin | India and Southeast Asia | Mediterranean and Middle East |
| Health benefits | Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and can aid digestion | Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and high in antioxidants |
| Usage | Commonly used in curries, rice dishes, and spice blends | Commonly used in Middle Eastern dishes like hummus, salads, and grilled meats |
| Pairings | Ginger, cinnamon, cumin, coriander | Garlic, thyme, oregano, lemon |
While turmeric and sumac are both popular spices with unique flavors and health benefits, they are not commonly used together in the same dish. However, they could be paired together in spice blends or marinades to add depth of flavor and nutritional benefits.