Yellow rice is a bright, flavourful dish commonly made by adding turmeric to white rice. It’s simple to prepare and pairs well with vegetables, stews, or grilled meats. Turmeric gives the rice a golden colour and a subtle earthy flavour. Here’s how to make yellow rice with turmeric.
- Gather Your Ingredients
To make yellow rice with turmeric, you’ll need the following:
- 1 cup of white rice (basmati or long-grain)
- 2 cups of water or chicken/vegetable broth
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 tablespoon oil or butter
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Optional: 1 small chopped onion, garlic, or peas for added flavour
Using broth instead of plain water can enhance the flavour of the rice.
- Rinse the Rice
Place the rice in a bowl and rinse it with cold water a few times until the water runs mostly clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky during cooking.
Drain well before cooking.
- Sauté for Extra Flavour (Optional)
In a pot, heat the oil or butter over medium heat. If you’re using onions or garlic, add them now and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Stir in the turmeric powder and let it cook for about 30 seconds. This helps release its aroma and blends it better into the rice.
- Cook the Rice
Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to coat the grains with the turmeric mixture. Then pour in the water or broth and add salt.
Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender.
Avoid opening the lid too often, as this lets steam escape and can affect cooking.
- Fluff and Serve
Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit (still covered) for 5 minutes. Then fluff it gently with a fork to separate the grains.
Also Read: How To Make Steam Pudding