Turmeric Rice: All About it and How to Make It

Bring your Friday family dinner to the next level with turmeric rice. This turmeric rice recipe is so simple that you can make this without massive preparation. A Must Try Turmeric Rice Recipe This yellow, …

turmeric rice

Bring your Friday family dinner to the next level with turmeric rice. This turmeric rice recipe is so simple that you can make this without massive preparation.

A Must Try Turmeric Rice Recipe

This yellow, aromatic and tasty cooked rice has captured the hearts of many, as not only it’s easy to prepare but it gives another kind of flavor to your staple grain in your meals. Turmeric rice is just as healthy as white rice but tastes better with added nutrition from turmeric and other vegetables you want to add.

If you want to level up your ordinary steamed rice, this turmeric rice recipe will surely be a hit for you and your family, especially when prepared as sides to your roasted chicken or other savory dishes of your favorite.

What are Turmeric and Turmeric Rice

Turmeric is a rhizome or like a root that belongs to the same family as ginger. It has a heavier yellow to orange color than ginger and contains a chemical called curcumin, which might reduce swelling. Turmeric is mostly used as a coloring or flavoring spice to curry and mostly, middle eastern dishes.

Turmeric rice, also known as yellow rice, is steamed rice with obviously, turmeric included but ingredients may vary per region. The flavor and aroma in turmeric rice do not just come from turmeric alone as there are more spices added in cooking it, but the flavor and color are predominantly contributed by the turmeric. 

Health Benefits of Turmeric Rice

The rice itself is grain, which means it is already a nutrient-packed food. How much more would it be if you add turmeric and other vegetables? The chemical called curcumin, contained by turmeric helps in reducing swelling and inflammation and is also an antioxidant. These factors play a role in boosting brain function and fighting heart disease and cancer. Turmeric rice is also good for immune-boosting and can help in reducing weight, at the same time.

Turmeric Rice Recipe

This turmeric rice recipe is so simple that you can make this without massive preparation or planning. You can also use the spices and vegetables that you already have in your fridge. This yellow rice will surely level up your ordinary and plain white rice so you and your family can enjoy it even when you’re just at home.

Turmeric Rice

Key Details of the Recipe

Yield:5 Servings
Prep & Cooking Time:1 hour
Flavor & Texture:Soft, aromatic, slightly savory
Ease:Beginner
Method:Boiled

Ingredients and Alternatives

  • 1 cup rice (any kind e.g. white rice, brown rice, basmati rice, etc.)
  • 1 ¾ (14 oz) of vegetable broth (or plain water)
  • 1 ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric (or turmeric powder)
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1/2 small onion finely diced
  • 2 medium carrots cut into 1/4-inch dice
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • ½ teaspoon salt & pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 cup peas fresh or frozen
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Basmati Rice:

Turmeric Powder:

Instructions

  1. Sautee the diced vegetables including the onions, garlic, and carrots in the melted coconut oil over medium heat. Cook until carrots begin to soften (approx. 6 minutes).
  2. Add in the rice, turmeric, thyme and cumin. Stir until the spices are fragrant (approx. 30 seconds).
  3. Pour in the broth or water and stir to combine. Cover the pot and turn the stove to medium-high until the rice boils. If it starts to bubble, make sure to open the lid.
  4. When the rice boils, let it simmer and lower the heat to medium. Cover and leave for about 35 minutes.
  5. You can check from time to time and stir if it achieves the right softness of the rice.
  6. You can now check for doneness. The broth must all be absorbed by the rice making it soft or slightly mushy.
  7. You would know if it is still uncooked when the grains are still solid or crunchy. If it is so, you can cover again and leave for 5-10 minutes and totally cook. Check again by fluffing a fork.
  8. Add in the peas and parsley and cover again and let cook for another 10 minutes.
  9. Once cooked, sprinkle some chopped parsley.
  10. Best to serve hot or warm.

Recipe Notes

  1. You can also do this recipe using white rice which cooks more quickly (about 15-20 minutes).
  2. You can also use water if you don’t have broth.
  3. Store in an airtight container and refrigerate it so it will last for up to 4 days.

White Rice:

Nutrient-Content

This recipe yields 5 ¼ cups of cooked rice, but per 1 cup of serving gives you 222 calories, 37 carbs, 5g protein, 7g fat, 282mg potassium, 4g fiber, 3g sugar, 4227 IU Vitamin A, 16mg Vitamin C, 37 mg Calcium, 2mg Iron.

Summary

There are still a lot of spices and veggies you can add to your turmeric rice. You can be creative enough to turn your ordinary rice into something spiced and colored.    

Bring your Friday family dinner to the next level with this turmeric rice recipe. This yellow rice is a global favorite that calls for different ingredients per country. Turmeric rice will transform the entirety of your plain, white rice plus an extra kick of nutrients and health benefits, all in one dish.