Festive Yellow Rice
Bring vibrant color and bold flavor to your table with this Festive Yellow Rice recipe! Fragrant with warm spices like turmeric, cumin, and paprika, this dish transforms simple long-grain rice into a golden, aromatic delight. Cooked with a medley of diced carrots and tender peas for a pop of flavor and texture, this one-pot recipe is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Perfect as a side dish or a standalone vegetarian meal, it pairs beautifully with a squeeze of fresh lemon and a garnish of cilantro for a zesty finish. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy-to-make recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Whether you use water or chicken stock, the result is a fluffy, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress! Optimize your menu with this vibrant and healthy yellow rice recipe today.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain rice
- 4 cups water or chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 1 medium carrots, diced
- 0.5 cup peas (frozen or fresh)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- 4 pieces lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
In a large pot or saucepan, heat the vegetable oil or butter over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until translucent and fragrant.
Stir in the minced garlic, turmeric, cumin, and paprika. Cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and release their aroma.
Add the diced carrots and peas to the pot, stirring to evenly coat them with the spice mixture.
Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir thoroughly to combine and coat the grains with the spices and oil.
Pour in the water or chicken stock, then season with salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed.
Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam and become fluffy.
Before serving, fluff the rice gently with a fork and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.
Serve the Festive Yellow Rice warm with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, tangy finish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
945 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.1 g | 40% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.7 g | 24% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2432 mg | 106% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 151.4 g | 55% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.0 g | 46% | |
| Total Sugars | 14.6 g | ||
| Protein | 18.5 g | 37% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 159 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 10.2 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 962 mg | 20% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
