Turmeric Rice Recipe | Indian Yellow Rice

Jump to Recipe

Enjoy a flavorful and easy-to-make dish, this Turmeric Rice Recipe combines aromatic spices like cloves and cinnamon with the vibrant hue and subtle warmth of turmeric, creating a deliciously fragrant side dish. With its simple preparation and rich flavors, this recipe promises to elevate any meal with minimal effort.

I loved turmeric rice aka haldi rice while growing up! My mom would make it all the time, and she'd add different things like peas, carrots, beetroot, or green garlic during winter, making it even more delicious and colorful.

We'd relish this aromatic rice turmeric rice paired with homemade yogurt, pickles, or sometimes with comforting dishes like kadhi and jeera aloo. It was a special dish that brought warmth and comfort to our meals.

Jump to:

What Is Turmeric
Health Benefits of Turmeric
Is Turmeric In Rice Good For You
Recipe For Garlic Turmeric Rice
Instant Pot Turmeric Rice
Storage
Tips For Fluffy Rice With Turmeric
Frequently Asked Questions
Pair Garlic Turmeric Rice
Turmeric Rice Recipe | Indian Yellow Rice
More Rice Recipes

What Is Turmeric

Turmeric is a bright yellow spice derived from the root of the Curcuma longa plant, commonly used in cooking for its warm and bitter flavor. It is also recognized for its potential health benefits due to the presence of curcumin, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce inflammation in the body.
It may aid in digestion and alleviate digestive issues due to its potential to stimulate bile production.
Turmeric is believed to support heart health by improving blood vessel function and reducing the risk of heart disease.
The curcumin in turmeric has antioxidant effects that may protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Some studies suggest that turmeric may have potential anti-cancer properties, inhibiting the growth of cancer cells in certain conditions.

See more health benefits of turmeric at healthline.com

Is Turmeric In Rice Good For You

Yes, incorporating turmeric into rice can be beneficial as it adds not only vibrant color and rich flavor but also introduces curcumin, an active compound in turmeric with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that may contribute to overall health. Consuming turmeric in rice dishes can be a flavorful way to enhance both taste and potential health benefits.

Recipe For Garlic Turmeric Rice

Here's a simple and delicious recipe for Turmeric Powder Rice:

Rinse the Rice:
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch.
Soak the Rice:
- Soak the rinsed rice in water for about 30 minutes. Drain before cooking.
Add Spices:
- In a large pan or pot, heat oil and butter over medium heat. Add all the whole spices, and sauté for 30 seconds.
Saute Onions and Garlic:
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent. Add turmeric powder, and stir well.
Add Rice:
- Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Stir gently to coat the rice with the turmeric and spice mixture.
Cook the Rice:
- Pour in the water or vegetable broth. Add salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
Fluff the Rice:
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the pan from heat. Add butter to the rice and fluff it with a fork to ensure the grains are separated.
Garnish (Optional):
- If desired, garnish the turmeric powder rice with fried garlic slices for an extra flavor boost and visual appeal.
Serve:
- Serve the turmeric powder rice as a flavorful side dish to complement your main course.

Enjoy your delicious and aromatic rice turmeric recipe!

Instant Pot Turmeric Rice

Here's a simple Instant Pot turmeric rice recipe:

Rinse and Soak the Rice:
- Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for about 15-30 minutes. Drain before using.
Saute in Instant Pot:
- Turn on the Instant Pot and select the "Saute" function. Add oil or ghee to the pot.
- Add all the whole spices, and sauté for 30 seconds.
Saute Onions and Garlic:
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent. Add turmeric, and stir well.
Add Rice:
- Drain the soaked rice and add it to the Instant Pot. Stir to coat the rice with the turmeric and spice mixture.
Add Liquid:
- Pour in the water or vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine.
Pressure Cook:
- Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Cancel the "Saute" function and select the "Manual" or "Pressure Cook" function.
- Set the cooking time to 4 minutes at high pressure.
- Cancel the "Keep Warm" setting.
Natural Release:
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow for a natural pressure release for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully release any remaining pressure.
Fluff the Rice:
- Open the Instant Pot and fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
Garnish (Optional):
- If desired, garnish the turmeric rice with fresh cilantro and fried garlic slices for extra flavor.
Serve:
- Serve the Instant Pot turmeric rice as a delightful side dish alongside your main course.

Enjoy your quick and flavorful Instant Pot turmeric rice!

Storage

Store leftover garlic turmeric rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. When reheating, add a splash of water to prevent the rice from drying out, and warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Tips For Fluffy Rice With Turmeric

Properly Rinse and Soak the Rice:
- Rinse basmati rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, and soak it for at least 30 minutes before cooking to ensure fluffy and separated grains.
Saute Aromatics:
- Sauté onions and garlic before adding rice to enhance the overall flavor of the dish. This step adds depth and complexity to the turmeric rice.
Balanced Turmeric Flavor:
- Add turmeric powder while sautéing onions, and garlic for maximum flavor.
Use Broth (Optional):
- For extra flavor and nutrients, use a good-quality vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the rice to infuse it with rich flavors.
Spice Balance:
- Adjust the amount of cloves, cinnamon, and black cardamom to your taste preference. Alternatively, you can add garam masala instead of whole spices for a flavorful turmeric rice.
Fluff with a Fork:
- After cooking, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains gently. This prevents the rice from becoming sticky and ensures a light and airy texture.
Add Butter for Richness:
- Incorporate a small amount of butter to add a touch of richness and enhance the overall flavor of the turmeric rice. Skip the butter, if you prefer to keep this dish light and vegan.
Garnish:
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and fried garlic slices for an optional but delightful crunch and added depth of flavor. This not only enhances the presentation but also contributes to the overall taste.
Careful with Salt:
- Be mindful of salt, especially if using vegetable broth, as it may already contain salt. Taste before adding more salt to avoid over-seasoning.
Use Freshly Ground Pepper:
- For robust flavor, use freshly ground pepper. It does make a difference!
Nutmeg (Optional):
- For added flavor, I sometimes add just a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg. It adds a quite subtle flavor to the dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is turmeric rice made of?

Turmeric rice is made by cooking basmati rice with a blend of turmeric, and spices like cloves, cinnamon, black cardamom, sautéed onions, and garlic, creating a flavorful and aromatic dish. Combining these ingredients not only imparts a vibrant yellow color to the rice but also introduces a rich and well-balanced taste.

Do you add turmeric before or after cooking rice?

Turmeric is typically added before cooking rice, directly incorporating it into the cooking liquid ensures even distribution and imparts a vibrant color and flavor to the rice during the cooking process. Adding turmeric beforehand allows the spice to infuse its essence into the rice, enhancing both its visual appeal and taste.

What does turmeric taste like?

Turmeric has a warm, slightly bitter taste with earthy and peppery undertones. Its flavor is distinct but not overpowering, contributing both depth and warmth to dishes.

Is turmeric rice healthy?

Yes, turmeric rice can be considered a healthy option as turmeric contains curcumin, a compound with potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Including turmeric in rice not only enhances the flavor but may also contribute to overall well-being due to its potential health benefits.

Turmeric rice taste

Turmeric rice has a warm, slightly spicy flavor with earthy undertones, and the turmeric imparts a distinctive golden color to the dish. The combination of aromatic spices, like cloves and cinnamon, enhances the overall taste, creating a flavorful and vibrant side dish.

Turmeric rice benefits

Turmeric rice offers potential health benefits due to the presence of curcumin in turmeric, which possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Consuming turmeric rice may support overall well-being by providing these health-promoting compounds in a flavorful and versatile dish.