Turmeric Rice Recipe (Indian Yellow Rice)
Ingredients
- 1½ cups basmati rice)
(or jasmine rice
- 2½ to 3 tablespoons butter
- ¾ teaspoon turmeric)
(prefer organic
- 1 teaspoon ginger
minced or paste
- 1 teaspoon garlic
minced or paste
- 3 cups stock)
or coconut milk (refer notes
- (adjust to taste½ to ¾ teaspoon salt)
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon ground pepper
or crushed black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ teaspoon cumin seeds)
(I use caraway seeds - shahi jeera
- 6 green cardamoms
- 6 cloves
- 2 inches cinnamon)
(2 pieces
- 1 strand mace)
(optional
- 1 star anise
- ¼ cup coriander leaves
chopped
- ¼ cup nuts & raisins)
(optional
Directions
- 1
Rinse rice well a few times. Soak it for at least 15 to 30 mins. Drain the rice and set aside.
- 2
Heat butter in a pot and melt it.
- 3
Add all the whole spices and saute on a low flame until fragrant.
- 4
Then add ginger garlic and saute again for 30 to 60 seconds without burning or browning the garlic.
- 5
Next stir in pepper and turmeric.
- 6
Then add drained rice and regulate the flame to high.
- 7
Fry the rice for about 2 mins stirring occasionally. Avoid stirring often as the rice grains will break.
- 8
Pour the stock or coconut milk & add salt. Check the salt and add more if desired.
- 9
Simmer and cover the pot. Cook on a low heat until the rice is fully cooked.
- 10
When done fluff up the turmeric rice with a fork and garnish with coriander leaves. Serve with a curry, dal or a raita.
- 11
Press saute button and add butter to the steel insert of the instant pot.
Turmeric Rice Recipe (Indian Yellow Rice)
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Based on 87 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Looking for an effortless way to elevate your weeknight meal with vibrant color and inviting aromas? This simple, one-pot Turmeric Rice recipe delivers warmth and authentic flavor, transforming ordinary rice into a delightful side dish.
Why This Aromatic Rice Works
What makes this Indian Yellow Rice truly special is its harmonious blend of whole and ground spices, all cooked together in a single pot. It infuses every grain of rice with a comforting, aromatic essence, featuring earthy turmeric alongside sweet-spicy notes from cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves. This method ensures deep flavor without extra fuss.
Expect a beautifully golden rice dish, fragrant with the inviting spices and a hint of fresh ginger and garlic. The texture will be tender and fluffy, providing a perfect balance to richer main courses. This dish is designed to be a comforting yet flavorful accompaniment that brings a touch of warmth to any plate.
Customization & Variations
You can easily tailor this Turmeric Rice to your preferences. Feel free to swap basmati rice for jasmine rice as a delicious alternative. For a richer, creamier profile, consider using coconut milk instead of stock. To add a delightful textural contrast and a touch of sweetness, stir in the optional nuts and raisins at the end. You can also experiment with using caraway seeds (shahi jeera) in place of cumin seeds, or include the optional mace for an added layer of subtle spice.
Serve this versatile Turmeric Rice as an ideal accompaniment for any Indian curry, a comforting lentil dal, or simply alongside a cooling raita. Its vibrant hue makes for an attractive and inviting presentation.