Turmeric is a popular ingredient in many ethnic foods. For most people, the thought of turmeric immediately brings an Indian curry to mind. But you can find turmeric used in other cultures in the Middle East and Southeast Asia like Indonesian and Moroccan. It’s also what makes American mustard yellow.

Turmeric is a versatile spice that is aromatic and partners well with grains, vegetables, and other spices. It is used in this Moroccan Stuffed Bell Peppers recipe with a combination of quinoa, zucchini, Feta cheese, almonds, and dried apricots. It’s an easy vegetarian dish that is gluten-free. It’s perfect for a Meatless Monday or any weeknight meal.

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For thousands of years, Turmeric has been used in India as a medicinal herb. During this year’s Expo West, a large natural products trade show, there were quite a few new products featuring Turmeric. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric that gives it that bright yellow color, has powerful anti-inflammatory benefits and is a strong antioxidant. Because of these properties, turmeric is often suggested for reducing pain due to arthritis or following heavy exercise or injury.

I’m not a medical professional, but some studies have found that it may also help fight infections and some cancers, and treat digestive problems. A recent study conducted on a specific enhanced form of curcumin, called  CurcuWIN®, showed heart health benefits in healthy people too. It’s no wonder that turmeric has become so popular.

The recipe I have for you here is for a Middle Eastern-inspired Moroccan Stuffed Bell Peppers.  It combines traditional Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors like Feta cheese, olive oil, peppers, dried apricots, and spices like turmeric, sumac, paprika, and cumin.

Ground sumac may be a spice you aren’t familiar with. It can be found in Middle Eastern markets or in specialty spices at the local grocery store. It’s a spice that reminds me of lemons and I like to add it to roast chicken, over vegetables, and sprinkled on hummus. If you can’t find it, substitute 1-2 Tablespoons of lemon juice depending on your taste.

These stuffed bell peppers are fantastic straight out of the oven, but are also good served cold like a quinoa salad. That makes it a good option for a work lunch or a picnic meal.

Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

Adding turmeric to food, like in this recipe for Moroccan Stuffed Peppers, adds a great flavor and depth to the dish. But if you are looking to gain the full health benefits from turmeric, it is difficult to reach the level of curcumin needed in these small amounts. Add to that the fact that our body isn’t efficient at absorbing curcumin in its natural form.

Food alone isn’t sufficient to gain all the benefits we could from turmeric or curcumin. Adding black pepper does help with absorption, but if you want to experience the full anti-inflammatory benefits of turmeric, you need to go with a dietary supplement.