Turmeric Yellow Basmati Rice

This healthy and vegan turmeric yellow basmati rice is full of delicious aromatic spices making it the perfect side dish for any meal. Simple and quick to prep in a rice pot or on a stovetop in 20 minutes!

This fluffy yellow basmati rice doesn’t only look good; it tastes even better from the aromatic spices (Cardamom, Bay leaves, and Cinnamon sticks), turmeric, curry, and broth. It’s such a simple side dish packed with so many flavors that it will surprise everyone.

I used to serve this yellow rice in my restaurant with many dishes (Shawarmas, kebabs, grilled chicken, and falafel), and every time the customers enjoyed the taste of the rice. I usually was asked about this recipe! So here you go!

Is Basmati Rice Healthy?

Basmati Rice is long-grain rice, available in both white and brown rice. It is common in South Asian and Indian Cuisines.

• White basmati rice, in general, is higher in carbs than brown basmati rice.
• Basmati rice is enriched with iron and B vitamins (folic acid, thiamine, and niacin) (1)
• White basmati rice is lower in arsenic (a heavy metal that damages health) (2).
• Brown basmati rice is a whole grain that is good for health (3).

What Is Turmeric?

• The main active component in turmeric is “Curcumin,” which gives that bright yellow color.
• Curcumin has natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. (4)
• Curcumin helps to prevent heart disease (5), cancer, and Alzheimer’s.
• Turmeric is available as a spice or a supplement.

Turmeric Yellow Basmati Rice Ingredients:

• Basmati rice: premium quality is required to get fluffy and non-sticky yellow rice.
• Herbs and spices: Bay leaves, Cinnamon sticks, and Cardamom pods give the rice a pleasant aroma.
• Turmeric: the main ingredient to give that yellow color and flavor.
• Ground curry: just a little bit; it gives an earthy flavor.
• Salt and Black pepper: to taste
• Bouillon: I used vegetable bouillon, but feel free to substitute with any flavor you prefer. (You can use water or broth).
• Oil: I used canola oil, but you can use any neutral oil you prefer.
• Water: the ratio of rice to water is 1:1.5

How To Cook Turmeric Yellow Basmati Rice?

1. Soak and rinse: Start with soaking the rice for 10-15 minutes, then rinse a couple of times until the water is clear; this helps to remove the excess starch and avoid sticky, gluey rice, and that allows an even cooking of the rice grains (on the inside & outside) resulting in fluffy rice. (Sometimes, I don’t have the time for soaking, so I just make sure to rinse it well). Then drain well.
2. Lightly toast: Heat the oil, add the rinsed rice and lightly toast the rice. Add all the spices and Stir until the rice is evenly coated with the spices and sauté for 2 minutes, lightly toasting the rice and spices.
3. Water: Add the water, stir and bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the water is absorbed.
4. Serve. Turn off the heat and leave it to rest covered for 10 minutes. Fluff it using a fork and serve.

Important Tips:

• It is important to wash the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and avoid sticky rice.
•  You can use any long-grain white rice or brown rice, but you must check the amount of water or stock. The cooking time for the long grain brown rice will be longer.
• The basmati rice brands vary, so always add less water or stock to avoid getting mushy rice. Remember: You can always add but it’s always hard to take off. So, if you find the rice needs more liquid, add ¼ cup.
• Keeping the rice covered is important so the moisture and steam won’t go out.

Serve This Rice With:

This turmeric yellow basmati rice can be served with many dishes such as:

• Chicken kebab, grilled chicken, chicken curry, baked chicken (Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks or chicken shawarma).
• Kofta kebab, beef shawarma, grilled meats, or baked meat (Easy Baked Lamb Chops).
• Any vegetable dish (sautéed or grilled).

Check Out More Rice Recipes:

Biryani Rice Recipe (Plain Biryani) 

Egyptian Rice With Vermicelli Noodles

Storage:

Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Before reheating in the microwave or a saucepan, add one tablespoon of water; it will add some steam making the rice fresh and not dry.

CHECK OUT MORE RECIPES:

Oven Baked Shrimp | Middle-Eastern

Crispy Baked Chicken Drumsticks

Easy Baked Lamb Chops

Creamy Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Creamy Four-Cheese Mac And Cheese