Transform your mealtime with the vibrant flavors of **Kaha Bath Yellow Rice**, a fragrant Sri Lankan delicacy. This golden-hued dish owes its captivating color to aromatic turmeric and its rich, creamy texture to the perfect blend of coconut milk and basmati rice. Infused with warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves, and highlighted by the earthy notes of curry leaves and optional pandan leaf, this recipe offers an irresistible symphony of tastes and aromas. Cooked to perfection in ghee for that extra layer of decadence, Kaha Bath is ideal as a centerpiece or a side dish to complement savory Sri Lankan curries and sambols. Ready in under 30 minutes, this gluten-free and crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for adding a touch of exotic flair to your dining table.
Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
In a deep pot or rice cooker, heat the ghee or butter over medium heat.
Once the ghee is melted, add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, cloves, curry leaves, and pandan leaf (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the turmeric powder and mix well with the spices.
Add the rinsed rice to the pot and gently stir to coat the rice grains in the spice mixture.
Pour in the coconut milk and water, and then add the salt. Stir well to combine.
Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer for 15-20 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to finish steaming.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving. Enjoy your Kaha Bath alongside your favorite Sri Lankan curries or side dishes.
Calories |
916 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 31.9 g | 41% | |
| Saturated Fat | 18.2 g | 91% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 85 mg | 28% | |
| Sodium | 3642 mg | 158% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 143.6 g | 52% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.1 g | 25% | |
| Total Sugars | 25.6 g | ||
| Protein | 15.2 g | 30% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 190 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 8.6 mg | 48% | |
| Potassium | 662 mg | 14% | |
*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.