Infused with the vibrant flavors of South African cuisine, this Yellow Rice with Cinnamon and Raisins is a fragrant and visually stunning dish that will elevate any meal. Perfectly cooked basmati rice is delicately seasoned with ground turmeric for a golden hue, while a cinnamon stick adds warm, aromatic depth. Sweet bursts of plump raisins beautifully contrast the subtle sweetness of sugar and the savory richness of butter. This simple yet exotic side dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal accompaniment to hearty curries, flavorful stews, or grilled meats. Whether you're exploring global flavors or looking for a unique twist on classic rice, this comforting recipe is a must-try!
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 medium saucepan, bring the 2 cups of water to a boil.
Add the rinsed rice, turmeric, cinnamon stick, sugar, salt, and butter to the boiling water. Stir well to combine.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer gently for 20 minutes. Avoid lifting the lid while it cooks to ensure even steaming.
After 20 minutes, add the raisins on top of the rice but do not stir. Cover the saucepan again and let the rice steam for an additional 5 minutes.
Turn off the heat and let the rice sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Remove the cinnamon stick and fluff the rice gently with a fork to mix in the raisins.
Serve warm alongside your favorite South African dishes or as a fragrant side to curries and stews.
Calories |
695 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 12.6 g | 16% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.7 g | 34% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 33 mg | 11% | |
| Sodium | 1292 mg | 56% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 140.9 g | 51% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.0 g | 18% | |
| Total Sugars | 77.6 g | ||
| Protein | 10.1 g | 20% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 106 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 6.0 mg | 33% | |
| Potassium | 727 mg | 15% | |
*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.