The yellow turmeric rice meal is a pure joy! Its sunny vibrant yellow colour will easily lift your mood. What I love the most is how easily it pairs with almost anything to complete a meal. The fact that it is incredibly simple to make, quick and easy, will turn it into that recipe you’ll want to keep handy for those days when you are short on time, energy, or inspiration.
Why Turmeric?
Great question! Growing up, turmeric wasn’t a spice we used regularly in my kitchen. But once I discovered it later in life, it quickly became a staple in my cooking. Now, I always keep both fresh and dried turmeric stocked in my spice rack, as it is that good!
Beside the fact that turmeric makes everything look so fresh and bright with that perfect yellow colour, more importantly is that it is so healthy and beneficial to be added in your cuisine.
Turmeric is a root with an amazing anti-inflammatory power that boosts your immune system. It is in a way the brother of our well-known friend ginger, but I rank it slightly higher due to its interesting flavour and vibrant colour. It is more frequently used in South Asian cuisine, but very fast its use has spread across the entire world.
But watch your fingers – they can turn a cheerful shade of orange for a few days. But who cares, really? It is healthy and delicious. So let me show you how fun and flavourful your meals can be when turmeric is used.
What Do You Need
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Rice – Absolutely the base of this dish. I like using long grain rice. My favourite brand is Uncle Ben’s long grain rice, and I have been using it for years.
Turmeric – You can go both with fresh turmeric root or ground turmeric powder, depending on what you have. This time, I used the turmeric powder.
Onion – For the way this dish is prepared, the sweet flavours of the onion is a must. I love how it transforms the plain rice into something so delightful and delicious. All you have to do is chop it finely and sauté for few minutes.
Garlic – Always the flavourful garlic. Mince a close-two.
Broth – For this recipe, I used a homemade vegetable broth, however you can use your regular store-bought broth. I like homemade food as I can control ingredients and salt, If you want to learn how to use your leftover veggies to make a delicious broth, download my guide and learn few amazing tricks.
Butter – Butter pairs so perfectly with turmeric rice. You can’t skip it if you are looking for best results.
Olive oil – to cook everything to perfection, I use light olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste.
Equipment
Dutch oven – You will find the Dutch oven super helpful.
You can prepare the veggies and rice on top of the stove and then continue baking and finishing the rice in the oven in the same pot. All in one!
I know – it is pretty amazing, right? Read why I am absolutely in love with the Dutch oven and how to choose the perfect one.
Yellow Turmeric Rice
Course: Main, SidesCuisine: IndianDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes30
minutes40
minutesEasy yellow turmeric rice recipe - a simple, quick, and perfect dish that pairs so well with almost everything you make.
Ingredients
2 cups long grain rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
1-2 garlic, minced
1 tablespoon turmeric powder (or fresh grated turmeric)
4 cups broth (vegetable or chicken)
100 grams butter
Olive oil (a drizzle for cooking)
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Prepare the ingredients by finally chopping the onion and mince the garlic. Preheat the oven to 380°F.
- Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and stir well.
- Add the turmeric for some extra colour and flavour and mix with the vegetables.
- Add the butter to melt, stirring continuously.
- Toss the rice and mix everything well.
- Pour the broth, mix and cover the Dutch oven with the lid. Transfer it into the preheated oven and cook covered for about 25-30 minutes.
- Open the lid, lower the temperature to 380°F and continue cooking for another 10 minutes, or until your rice gets a nice golden crust and liquid is incorporated.
- Remove the pot from the oven and let the rice rest for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork, garnish with fresh cilantro (or your favourite greens), and serve warm!
Notes
- Keep the lid on until you are ready to serve to ensure the rice stays warm and fluffy.
How to serve the Yellow Rice with Turmeric
The rice is so flexible and pairs nicely with almost everything. I love serving with sweet and spicy meatballs and drizzle some of that flavourful sauce on top.
You can also pair it with fried chicken, pork cutlets, stir-fried meat and veggies, or enjoy it on its own with your favourite salad or cooked vegetables.
Once you try it, I am sure this rice will become your favourite rice dish for busy days when you are short on time, energy, or both!
Leftovers?
The delicious leftovers are the best part (but usually I hardly have any left). You can store any leftovers in airtight container for up to five days in the fridge.
You can use leftovers to pack a delicious lunch for the following day, or warm it up and add it beside a salmon or mixed with some stir fried vegetables the next day, drizzle some hot sauce and voilá – a delightful meal in just 10 minutes. Isn’t that absolutely fantastic?
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