Infused with bold, aromatic spices, Madhur Jaffrey’s Turmeric Rice recipe is a vibrant side dish that brings the essence of Indian cuisine to your table. This golden-hued basmati rice is gently cooked with earthy turmeric, warm cinnamon, fragrant cardamom, and whole cloves, creating a symphony of flavors that elevate any meal. A base of buttery ghee ensures each grain is perfectly coated, while a garnish of fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness. Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal accompaniment to curries, grilled meats, or as a standalone vegetarian delight. Elevate your weeknight dinners or festive feasts with this easy and flavorful turmeric rice!
Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain well and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter (or ghee) over medium heat.
Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and whole cloves to the melted butter, and sauté for about 1 minute until aromatic.
Add the drained rice to the saucepan and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently to coat the grains in the butter and spices.
Stir in the turmeric powder, ground cumin, and salt, ensuring the rice is evenly coated.
Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to absorb any remaining moisture.
Fluff the rice gently with a fork, discard the cinnamon stick and cardamom pods, and transfer to a serving dish.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro, if desired, and serve warm with your favorite curry or as a standalone dish.
Calories |
362 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 12.7 g | 16% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.7 g | 38% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 31 mg | 10% | |
| Sodium | 1197 mg | 52% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 54.4 g | 20% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.9 g | 10% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.2 g | ||
| Protein | 7.6 g | 15% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 83 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 4.3 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 147 mg | 3% | |
*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.