Description
Garlic Turmeric Rice is a flavorful and aromatic side dish made with fragrant garlic, earthy turmeric, and fluffy rice. This vibrant golden rice is simple to prepare and pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, curries, or as a base for rice bowls. It’s a healthy, anti-inflammatory dish that’s both comforting and versatile.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Liquid
- 1 cup long-grain white rice (such as basmati or jasmine), rinsed
- 2 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth
Seasonings and Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat the fat and sauté garlic: In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Add spices: Stir in the turmeric, salt, and pepper, cooking for another 30 seconds to release their flavors.
- Coat the rice: Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir well to coat the grains evenly with the garlic and spice mixture.
- Add liquid and boil: Pour in the water or broth and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the rice: Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is fully absorbed.
- Rest the rice: Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to finish steaming the rice.
- Fluff and garnish: Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end before serving.
- This recipe can be made with brown rice; just increase the liquid to 2½ cups and cook time to 40-45 minutes accordingly.
- Add peas, diced carrots, or other chopped vegetables while cooking for a complete one-pot meal.
