Transform your boring white rice with a garlicky punch by making Turmeric Rice! This vibrant dish pairs perfectly with your favorite curry, grilled veggies, or protein, making it an amazing option for a quick and comforting weeknight dinner.
This Turmeric Rice is an easy way to add a pop of color and a ton of flavor to your meals. I’m all about spiced rice dishes, and this one is right up there with my favorites like cumin rice, cilantro lime rice, and chili garlic fried rice.
It’s the perfect side dish for anything from chicken tikka masala and teriyaki chicken to chickpea tikka masala and red kidney bean curry.
What is Turmeric Rice/ Yellow Rice?
Turmeric Rice, or Yellow Rice as it’s often called, has a special place in my heart. Growing up, this vibrant rice was a staple at our family gatherings and festivals. At its simplest, turmeric rice is just rice cooked with turmeric, giving it that beautiful yellow hue and a warm, earthy flavor.
But in our kitchen, it was more than just the turmeric. My mother would add a touch of garlic, a sprinkle of cumin, and sometimes a handful of raisins or nuts for a bit of sweetness and crunch. I was never a fan of the raisins or nuts in my rice and would always pick them off my plate and give them to my brother.
Now, whenever I make garlic turmeric rice, it brings back memories of family dinners, laughter, and shared stories. It’s a simple dish, but it’s packed with love and memories, making it so much more than just a side dish.
Turmeric Rice Ingredients
To make delicious Yellow Rice, you’ll need the following simple yet flavorful ingredients:
- Basmati rice: Choose high-quality, long-grain basmati rice for the best texture and flavor, though any long-grain rice will work.
- Olive oil or ghee: Adds richness and helps the spices bloom.
- Ground turmeric: The star ingredient that gives the rice its vibrant yellow color and earthy flavor.
- Garlic: Adds a fragrant, savory depth to the rice.
- Cumin seeds: Provide a warm, nutty flavor that complements the turmeric.
- Salt: To taste.
- Fresh cilantro or parsley: For garnish and a burst of freshness.
How to Make Turmeric Rice?
- Start by rinsing the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, soak it for about 10 to 15 minutes.
- In a medium-sized pot, heat the olive oil or ghee over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and minced garlic, and sauté them for about a minute, or until golden brown.
- Drain the rice and add it to the pot. Then, add salt and turmeric, and give it a good stir until each grain is coated with turmeric. Add water or vegetable stock so it covers the rice by about ½ inch.
- Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer for about 10 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley, if desired. Your healthy yellow rice is now ready to serve with your favorite main dish.
Tips to Make The Best Yellow Rice
- Rinse Properly: Don’t skip this step. Rinsing the rice well removes excess starch and prevents it from becoming too sticky.
- Soak Before Cooking: Soaking basmati rice makes it fluffier, and less sticky, and enhances its flavor and aroma.
- Add Veggies: For a one-pot meal, add veggies like carrots, beans, or bell peppers right after adding cumin seeds.
- Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, toss in some chili flakes or freshly chopped green chilies with the garlic.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in a tablespoon of coconut milk towards the end of cooking for a creamy, luxurious texture.
Storage And Reheating
- Storage: Let the rice cool completely transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or on the stovetop with a bit of water to prevent drying out.
- Freezing: Cool the rice, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 2–3 months. Thaw in the fridge or reheat directly from frozen.
Serve this turmeric rice with these recipes
- Chicken Tikka Masala
- Teriyaki Chicken
- Creamy Chickpea and Cauliflower Curry
- Szechuan Chicken Recipe
- Sweet and Sour Chicken