I was craving a spicy side dish for lunch, and because I have turmeric in my pantry, I decided to make turmeric rice (yellow rice).
I LOVE this dish because it is so vibrant and fragrant. It also goes sooo well with curry and grilled chicken or beef.
Turmeric Rice
Today, I decided to share with you one of my favorit rice recipes ever! What I like about this recipe is that it will be ready in less than 30 minutes, made in one pot dish and perfect for meal prep.
This rice has a soft and fluffy texture and a delightful aroma that I am sure you will love.
It is an excellent side dish to eat when you are seeking something healthy yet delicious.
What i don't like about turmeric is that it could easily stain your clothes or fingers, so be careful.
Ingredients
- Long-grain white rice: In this recipe, long-grain rice is suitable because , it will provide a softer and fluffier texture rice needs. You may also use Basmati rice or brown rice.
- Turmeric: The star of the recipe! It is responsible for providing a prominent flavor to the dish. Turmeric is also the one giving the yellowish hue to the rice.
- Onion: Sauteed onions give dishes a rich umami flavor and a subtle sweetness. Plus, it also adds texture and flavor to foods.
- Garlic: Just like an onion, garlic adds a flavor to foods.
- Olive Oil: It is the best choice for sauteing onion and garlic.
- Bay Leaves: To add a more distinctive flavor and fragrance, put bay leaves to the dish.
- Parsley: A slight drizzle and dazzle with garnishing parsley will make the whole dish look elegant and classic. You may replace it with chopped cilantro.
“See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.”
How To Make Turmeric Rice?
One: Rinse the rice and put it in a colander to get rid of the excess water.
Two: Heat the olive oil in a medium-size pot or saucepan, then add the finely chopped onion and saute' for 1 minute or until it becomes translucent, then add the garlic and saute' for 30 seconds.
Three: Stir in the rice, salt, ground turmeric, bay leaves and water, put the lid on. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to very low and cook for 10-15 minutes or until fully cooked.
Four: Turn off the heat, use a fork to fluff the rice, garnish with some chopped parsley (optional) then serve.
Top Tips!
- My secret to a fluffy texture is to make sure that you rinse the rice well to remove the extra starch from the grains.
- Saute the onion and garlic in medium-low heat to avoid burning them and to achieve a perfect aroma.
- Do not overcook the rice! Lest it becomes burned, or the grains will become too bloated for anyone's liking.
How To Serve It
This rice recipe goes well with different meat, but baked bone-in chicken thighs, lamb-tikka-masala, and black pepper beef are the best ones. The rugged texture and juicy flavor of those dishes go well with the soft and fluffy texture of the rice. It is also perfect side dish to serve with chicken curry.
Personally, I like to serve this dish with Baked BBQ Chicken Legs, Chicken Rogan Josh or Maple Chicken Thighs.
Recipe FAQs
You should have rinsed the rice thoroughly before cooking it since the water will remove the extra starch from the grains. Remember that the starch disables the grains to be fluffy and soft. Consider waiting for five to ten minutes before fluffing the rice so that the grains could settle first from the heat.
You can make this dish with long-grain rice, basmati rice or Jasmine rice.
Yes, this is vegan and gluten free recipe.
It has an earthy with a bit of peppery spice taste. It has a really strong flavor, and it is one of the primary spices in curry powder.
More Rice Recipes
- Chicken And Rice Soup
- Spicy Rice And Spinach Stew
- One-Pot Chicken And Rice
- One Pan Prawns And Rice
- Rice Kofta - Egyptian Recipe
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Recipe Card
Easy Turmeric Rice Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups long-grain rice
- 1 ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 onion , minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 ½ cups water
- 1 tablespoon Chopped parsley , optional to garnish
Instructions
- Rinse the rice and put it in a colander to get rid of the excess water.
- Heat the olive oil in a medium-size pot or saucepan, then add the finely chopped onion and saute' for 1 minute or until it becomes translucent, then add the garlic and saute' for 30 seconds.1 onion, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 3 cloves garlic
- Rinse the rice, drain and add it along with salt, turmeric, bay leaves and water, stir. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to very low and cook for 10-15 minutes or until fully cooked.1 ½ cups long-grain rice, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 bay leaves, 2 ½ cups water, 1 ½ teaspoon turmeric
- Turn off the heat, use a fork to fluff the rice, garnish with some chopped parsley (optional) then serve.1 tablespoon Chopped parsley
Notes
- To ensure a fluffy texture, make sure that you rinse the rice well to remove the excess starch from the grains.
- Saute the onion and garlic in medium-low heat to avoid burning them and to achieve a perfect aroma.
Robin H says
My go-to rice recipe. Especially with baked or grilled chicken.
Mia says
The rice is fo fluffy and flavourful. I love it.
Mark says
Good side dish, I served it with baked chicken thighs. It was a lovely meal.
Chloe says
This is a good recipe. I never heard of this rice before, but now I can say it is delicious.
Ella says
My kids love this rice - They always ask me to make ' yellow rice' - A great recipe. Thanks!