About

Namaste and welcome to A Teaspoon of Turmeric!

Several years back I discovered the amazing health benefits of turmeric, which is one of the most frequently used spices in Indian cooking.

In my own journey to live a healthier life, I came to know about turmeric’s immense health benefits ranging from acting as an antiseptic to being a powerful antioxidant. I started putting a little bit of turmeric in my favourite drink, hot chocolate. Being an avid long distance and trail runner at the time, I was looking for ways to help overcome muscle soreness after a long run. Turmeric was my answer and I soon began adding a little bit to my daily smoothies and Masala Chai.

A teaspoon a day, keeps the doctor away…

It’s only recently the world has discovered the immense medicinal power of turmeric, India’s ‘super-spice’ as we like to call it. In India, the use of turmeric is deeply rooted in history and the culture and it has been used for its medicinal value for the last 5,000 years.

To show admiration and pay tribute to this truly special ‘wonder spice’, A Teaspoon of Turmeric was born!

A Teaspoon of Turmeric is a blog about the interesting ways in which I’ve discovered to use turmeric in my diet, in addition to showcasing healthy and homestyle Indian cooking, which is one of my passions! I’m an Indian cooking instructor in the Toronto, Ontario area and teach classes with my mother Arvinda. For more information on our cooking classes, please visit: Arvinda’s Indian Cooking Classes

This blog is not only about food using turmeric, but I also sometimes mix in a bit of Indian culture. Throughout my posts I feature both traditional and modern Indian recipes, highlighting the many health benefits of spices (not only turmeric) used in the Indian kitchen. From time to time I draw upon the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda (the science of life in Sanskrit) and its principles as a source of inspiration for my cooking. These are practices I strive towards and try to live by for a happier and healthier life! So they say, you are what you eat!

In 2005 while earning my Master degree in Environmental Studies, I along with my brother Paresh launched a line of spice blends called Arvinda’s. Arvinda’s is sold in fine retailers and in foodservice quantities for chefs and food manufacturers in North America and Europe.

Our customers are always looking for innovative ways to use Arvinda’s blends, so most of my recipes are also here to inspire you to create delicious and amazing food using our signature spice blends!

I entertain any discussion on spices, Indian cooking and culture on this blog and hope you will share your thoughts, experiences and recipe ideas with me! Thank you for visiting and I hope you can join us for a cooking class or try Arvinda’s blends too!

We always say, when you eat a curry you are healing yourself from the inside out – so with that, eat more curry! Turmeric wishes to you all!

With much gratitude, peace and love,
~ Preena

A T E A S P O O N O F: Being a pretty big music fan, on most days I will lend you my musical pick of the day! Music and food, need I say more?!

P H O T O S : Photos on A Teaspoon of Turmeric are taken by Preena Chauhan, unless an alternate photo credit is listed. If you’re interested in using any of my photos I would appreciate a link or credit to the source URL. Praise for your respect!

C O N T A C T: I would love to hear your musings, thoughts, travel journals and recipes on the subject of Indian food and culture! You can reach me at: info@arvindas.com

Follow on Twitter: @ArvindasSpices
Facebook
A Teaspoon Of Turmeric YouTube Channel

D I S C L A I M E R: All content on ATeaspoonOfTurmeric.com is original and copyright unless otherwise stated. I give credit where credit is due. I am not a nutritionist or health care provider and please consult with a doctor before making changes to diet, lifestyle or exercise. All content is based on my personal experiences so if something works for me, it may not work for you. Please consult your doctor.

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“Inspiration is that state in which mind and heart are connected. When you feel inspired you find yourself thrust into a world where ordinary objects and events are full of light, as if illuminated from within. This inner light is truth, and when you suddenly see the truth, you gain insight, clarity, and joy.”
~Deepak Chopra
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33 Comments »

33 Responses

on July 28, 2015 at 7:30 AM | Reply Lou Jane

I totally love it!
on May 24, 2014 at 6:12 PM | Reply turmeric supplement

How amazing is the fact that everyone considers turmeric to be one of the best if not the best spice in the world linked to extraordinary health benefits? In India it’s being used on a daily basis which speaks volumes for its usefulness and I am curious to know what actual benefits they receive from such high dosages of turmeric. Thank you for the helpful insights!
on May 24, 2014 at 4:54 PM | Reply Caitlin

Thanks for the helpful post!
on June 5, 2013 at 5:52 PM | Reply thoughtlady

Hi Preena
I’ve been following your blog for a while, and then met you at the Gluten Free Garage, where I was finally able to buy some of your wonderful spice mixes. I just had to let you know that I made the Butter Chicken recently and it was a HUGE hit with the whole household! I’m definitely going to have to at least double the recipe next time I make it. I’m really hoping to come to a few of your cooking classes in the future, but there seems to be a glitch with the links on your website. Could you let me know when the next round of classes will be?

Thanks – and keep blogging!
Karen
- on September 15, 2013 at 7:06 PM | Reply Preena @ A Teaspoon of Turmeric
  
  Hi Karen, glad you enjoyed Arvinda’s Butter Chicken recipe and it was hit! Seems to be everyone’s favourite. Thank you for reading the blog! We just launched Arvinda’s new website and we have our new line-up of fall cooking classes scheduled in Toronto and Oakville. Please take a look here.
  
  I hope to meet you again in one of the cooking classes this season!
  
  Warm regards,
  Preena
on February 14, 2013 at 8:52 AM | Reply Craig Boutilier

I would love to buy a print of the poster on your site. The “advice from a tree” one. The one that has the face in the tree that looks like it would be perfect for a little girls room. Can you tell me where to find one?
- on February 17, 2013 at 3:20 PM | Reply Preena @ A Teaspoon of Turmeric
  
  Hi Craig,
  
  Thank you for your comment. I believe you can purchase the print from http://reclaimgrowsustain.com which is where I got the image from.
  
  These words are lovely!
  Preena
on January 22, 2013 at 9:16 PM | Reply Amanda

Hi Preena,
After connecting recently on Linked In, I am so impressed by all you’ve been up to… especially how you have managed to “masala-fy” common, healthy, and sometimes boring foods such as kale and quinoa! kudos to you.
Also, I especially love how in every single segment you’ve used turmeric inspired colours in your cook-ware and clothing!
Big hug!
Amanda
- on February 17, 2013 at 3:25 PM | Reply Preena @ A Teaspoon of Turmeric
  
  Hi Amanda, great to reconnect and thanks for stopping by! Much appreciation for the kind words. Hope you’re doing well, Preena
on November 28, 2012 at 2:49 PM | Reply dutchgoesitalian

Hi, I wanted to let you know that I awarded you with the Blog of the year 2012 Award. Check out my post for more info: http://dutchgoesitalian.com/2012/11/28/blog-of-the-year-2012/. Ciao, Letizia
on October 24, 2012 at 10:43 PM | Reply Amber Clare

Namaste, I love your blog.
I love learning about Indian food. NOt only for the yummy recipes but because the vast array of health benefits.
on October 18, 2012 at 9:24 PM | Reply Gulab Bilimoria

Great site Preeni, keep it up.

GULAB
on October 1, 2012 at 12:17 AM | Reply vinicooksveg

Simply loved your site. Good going!
on May 15, 2012 at 9:58 AM | Reply wanderfool

Great blog! Keep up the good work!
on March 26, 2012 at 2:23 AM | Reply whisksandchopsticks

Hello Preena! I have been following your blog and really enjoy your posts and videos so much that I nominated you for…please come and have a look. 🙂 Tina
on March 22, 2012 at 7:38 PM | Reply cloudoflace

Hello again!!

I’m so glad to announce that I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award!! What can I say?? I simply love your blog 😀

Kindly follow this link:
http://cloudoflace.com/2012/03/23/the-versatile-blogger-award/

Regards,
Hiba
- on April 7, 2012 at 3:17 PM | Reply Preena @ A Teaspoon of Turmeric
  
  Hello Hiba,
  Thank you so kindly for the nomination! Much appreciated and thank you for reading my blog! 🙂
  Preena
on March 22, 2012 at 12:07 PM | Reply mildlyentertained

Are you a full time cook now or in the environmental studies field? Beautiful photo!
- on April 7, 2012 at 3:23 PM | Reply Preena @ A Teaspoon of Turmeric
  
  I work full time with Arvinda’s spice line and instructing cooking classes. All with environmental sustainability in mind! Thanks for stopping by!
on March 10, 2012 at 5:46 PM | Reply mearez

Preena,
Namaste.Thank you for commenting on my post. I really appreciate it. I must have been Indian in a past life. I love the culture, movies and food. I’ve seen all the movies you mentioned. I’ll be following your site. I would love to learn Indian cooking.
on February 28, 2012 at 10:41 PM | Reply Steph Rice

You’ve been nominated for the 7×7 Award!

My First Blog Award! 7×7

I love your blog and look forward to more great recipes and ideas.

Taco!
on November 5, 2011 at 5:30 PM | Reply agirlandhercarrot

Hi preena!
i am so happy to have found you via foodpress. Love,”A teaspoon of turmeric keeps the doctor away.” Yeah it does! Indian cuisine and spices are amazingly healthful and healing. I am learning a bit more about the Doshas and diet as a nutritionist and yoga teacher and look forward to perusing through your fantastic blog here! Namaste!
Jennifer
- on November 6, 2011 at 11:29 PM | Reply Preena @ A Teaspoon of Turmeric
  
  Thanks for stopping by Jennifer! The power of Ayurveda is amazing, it’s really helped me a lot and swear by its principles…and certainly goes hand-in-hand with yoga! Namaste
on July 25, 2011 at 9:19 AM | Reply Bob Kostiuck

Good morning, Preena. My wife saw a TV program where you did a meal of – Chicken Tikka Kebabs, Paneer with Veg and Raita, and Slaw with an Indian dressing. She swears the program directed her to Foodies.com for the recipe, but I cannot find anything like that on the website. Where would we find the recipe? Thanks.
- on August 1, 2011 at 1:28 PM | Reply Preena @ A Teaspoon of Turmeric
  
  Hi there Bob!
  
  It was indeed Foodies – our recipe is here: http://www.foodies.ca/recipes/281
  We used Arvinda’s Tandoori Masala in the kebabs.
  
  Hope you will try it and thanks for tuning in!
  Preena
on May 23, 2011 at 1:06 PM | Reply Curry and Comfort

Hi Preena,

Thank you for dropping by my blog (curry and comfort). You have a lovely blog and I love turmeric! I cook with it a lot.

You asked if Sri Lankan salads are ever spicy and most of the salad are spiced with green chilies. I love to use serranos finely diced to give a little heat.

I am looking forward to checking out your blog today. Congratulations on making the Top9 on Foodbuzz! That’s a great achievement!

Nice to meet you…

Ramona
on February 14, 2011 at 6:38 PM | Reply Susan Blackburn

Hi Preena,

I love your blog. Indian cooking is definitely one of my favorites. Thank you for coming out to the Real Life Series on Thursday – it was great meeting you!

Warmly,
Susan
- on February 21, 2011 at 11:03 PM | Reply Preena @ A Teaspoon of Turmeric
  
  Hello Susan,
  
  Thank you for visiting A Teaspoon of Turmeric! Likewise, great meeting you too and thank you for your positive words!
  
  Best regards,
  Preena
on November 2, 2010 at 12:01 PM | Reply Nienke at Revel

Hey Preena – it was awesome meeting you on Sunday! I am very excited about cooking with your spices (thanks so much!) – and will let you know how it turns out!
- on November 2, 2010 at 3:14 PM | Reply Preena
  
  Hey there Nienke! Likewise great meeting you too. Would love to hear about your delicious Indian-inspired creations. Please keep me posted!
on October 31, 2010 at 11:41 AM | Reply Kathy Cecchetto

Hi Preena:

I was just wondering if your spice line is available commercially? I’ve recently depleted my supply of Garam Masala (cooking up a storm after our two day Indian Walking Tour!), and wished to purchase a few more tins.

I’ve signed up for four more classes, the first one being Nov. 13 – I could wait until then.

Namaste,

Kathy
- on October 31, 2010 at 11:39 PM | Reply Preena
  
  Hello Kathy!
  Glad you’re ‘cooking up a storm’ of Indian dishes! You can purchase Arvinda’s masalas at various fine retailers and natural food stores. Please visit: http://www.arvindas.com/buy.htm for a store listing.
  Looking forward to seeing you in another class soon!
  Preena
on May 31, 2010 at 11:31 PM | Reply Albert

Hey Preena,

You might not remember me but I remember you from Earth Day Canada.

I just wanted to let you know that I saw you tonight on CBC News, on a segment about the improving Canadian economy.

You looked great on tv and congratulations on your business.

Take care.