A fragrant and vibrant yellow rice dish infused with garlic and turmeric, offering a delightful blend of flavors. This easy-to-make side pairs perfectly with a variety of main courses, adding both color and taste to your meal. Made with simple ingredients, this dish is both comforting and nutritious, making it a great addition to any meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Ready in just over 20 minutes, this rice dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful and Aromatic – The combination of garlic and turmeric creates a deliciously fragrant dish.
- Healthy and Nutritious – Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making this a wholesome choice.
- Versatile – Pairs well with a variety of main courses, from grilled meats to vegetarian curries.
- Great for Meal Prep – Stores well and can be easily reheated for later meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter or ghee
- Onion, finely diced
- Garlic, minced
- Turmeric powder
- Basmati rice or any long-grain rice, rinsed and drained
- Chicken stock or vegetable stock
- Salt
- Fresh parsley or cilantro leaves for garnish
Directions
Sauté the Aromatics
- In a medium saucepan or pot, melt the butter or ghee over medium heat.
- Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Turmeric and Rice
- Sprinkle in the turmeric powder and stir to combine with the onions and garlic.
- Add the rinsed and drained rice to the pot, stirring to coat the grains with the aromatic mixture.
- Cook for about 1 minute to lightly toast the rice.
Add Stock and Cook
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock and add salt to taste.
- Mix well and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Rest and Serve
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and become fluffy.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, drizzle with fresh lemon juice if desired, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro leaves.
- Serve warm as a side dish to your favorite main courses.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 214 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Coconut Rice Twist – Substitute half of the stock with coconut milk for a creamier texture.
- Lemon Garlic Rice – Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and extra garlic for a tangy flavor boost.
- Nutty Addition – Sprinkle toasted almonds or cashews on top for added crunch.
- Protein-Packed – Stir in cooked chickpeas or shredded chicken for a more filling meal.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave with a splash of water to prevent dryness, or reheat in a skillet over low heat with a little butter or oil.
FAQs
How can I prevent the rice from sticking together?
Make sure to rinse the rice well before cooking to remove excess starch. Also, avoid stirring too much while cooking.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice takes longer to cook and may require additional stock.
Is turmeric rice spicy?
No, turmeric adds warmth and earthiness but not spiciness. If you prefer spice, you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Absolutely! Just use vegetable stock and swap butter or ghee for olive oil or vegan butter.
What can I serve with garlic turmeric rice?
This rice pairs well with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, curries, or Mediterranean dishes.
Can I make this in a rice cooker?
Yes! Sauté the aromatics separately, then add everything to the rice cooker and cook according to its settings.
Why is my rice too mushy?
Too much liquid or overcooking can make the rice mushy. Stick to the recommended liquid ratio and let the rice steam after cooking.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Try adding peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Does turmeric stain cookware?
Turmeric can stain some plastics and wooden utensils. Use stainless steel or glass cookware when possible.
Can I use jasmine rice instead of basmati?
Yes, jasmine rice will work, but it may have a slightly different texture and fragrance.
Conclusion
Garlic turmeric rice is a simple yet flavorful side dish that brings color and warmth to any meal. With its aromatic blend of garlic and turmeric, this dish is both delicious and nutritious. Whether you're pairing it with a hearty curry, grilled meat, or enjoying it on its own, this easy recipe is a must-try. Give it a go and elevate your mealtime with this golden-hued rice!
Garlic Turmeric Rice
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Garlic Turmeric Rice is a fragrant and vibrant yellow rice dish infused with garlic and turmeric, offering a delightful blend of flavors. This easy side pairs perfectly with various main courses, adding color and nutrition to your meal. Ready in just over 20 minutes, it's a simple yet flavorful addition to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter or ghee
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 cup basmati rice (or long-grain rice), rinsed and drained
- 2 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
- In a medium pot, melt butter or ghee over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Add Turmeric and Rice
- Sprinkle in turmeric powder and mix well with the aromatics.
- Add rinsed rice, stirring to coat with the mixture.
- Cook for about 1 minute to lightly toast the rice.
3. Cook the Rice
- Pour in chicken or vegetable stock and add salt.
- Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, until liquid is absorbed.
4. Rest and Serve
- Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve warm.
Notes
- For a Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne.
- For a Creamier Texture: Substitute half the stock with coconut milk.
- For Extra Flavor: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian, Mediterranean
