Description

This easy turmeric rice recipe features fragrant long-grain rice cooked with ground turmeric and aromatic spices, delivering a vibrant yellow color and warm flavor. Perfect as a flavorful side dish, it is simple to prepare on the stovetop and pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, curries, or roasted vegetables. The addition of fresh herbs adds a burst of freshness, making it a versatile and wholesome accompaniment for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice and Seasonings

1 cup long-grain white rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
2 cups water or chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
Black pepper to taste

Garnish

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)

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Instructions

Rinse the Rice: Rinse the rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain well to ensure the rice cooks fluffy and separate.
Toast the Rice: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the rinsed rice and stir to coat evenly with the fat. Toast the rice for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, to develop a nutty flavor.
Add Liquids and Spices: Pour in the water or chicken broth, then add the ground turmeric, garlic powder, cumin if using, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Let the rice simmer gently for 15 to 18 minutes until tender and all the liquid is absorbed.
Rest and Fluff: Remove the pot from heat but keep it covered. Let the rice rest for 5 minutes to allow steam to finish cooking the rice evenly. Then, use a fork to fluff the grains gently to separate them.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the rice if desired. Serve warm alongside your favorite grilled meats, curries, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

Using broth instead of water enhances the flavor depth of the rice.
Be cautious when handling turmeric as it can stain white countertops and kitchen utensils.
This turmeric rice pairs excellently with grilled meats, spicy curries, and roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.