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?
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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