What does adding turmeric to rice do?

Adding turmeric to rice transforms a plain side dish into a vibrant, flavorful, and nutrient-rich component of your meal. The turmeric gives the rice its signature golden-yellow color , along with a slightly earthy, warm taste that pairs well with many cuisines. It also boosts the health profile of your dish, since turmeric contains curcumin , a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. For an extra health kick, combine it with black pepper to help your body absorb more of the curcumin.

How to cook yellow rice with turmeric?

To make yellow rice with turmeric, start by rinsing your rice until the water runs clear. Then: Sauté garlic and onion in oil or butter. Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric per cup of rice, along with other optional spices like cumin or bay leaf. Stir in the rice, coating it well with the turmeric. Add broth or water (1¾ cups liquid per 1 cup rice), bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Let it rest for 5 minutes before fluffing.

How much turmeric should I add to 2 cups of rice?

For 2 cups of rice , use 2 teaspoons of ground turmeric . This amount ensures a balanced flavor and a vibrant color without being overwhelming or bitter. If you're sensitive to turmeric’s taste, you can start with 1½ teaspoons and adjust according to your preference.

How to boil turmeric rice?

Boiling turmeric rice is simple: In a large saucepan, bring 3½ cups of water or broth to a boil for every 2 cups of rice. Add turmeric (about 2 teaspoons), salt, and a bit of oil or butter. Stir in the rinsed rice, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until the liquid is absorbed—about 15–18 minutes.

Turmeric Rice – The Best 9-Step Guide for Flavorful & Healthy Yellow Rice

Name: Turmeric Rice: The Ultimate Guide to Flavorful and Healthy Yellow Rice
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 cup basmati rice; 2 cups water; 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 bay leaf (optional); Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup basmati rice
2 cups water
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
1 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bay leaf (optional)

Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
In a saucepan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until soft and fragrant.
Stir in the turmeric and cook for another 30 seconds.
Add the rinsed rice, water, salt, and bay leaf.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes.
Remove from heat and let sit covered for 5 minutes.

Fluff with a fork, remove bay leaf, and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water. Adjust turmeric quantity to taste.

Author: Amillia
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 210
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: turmeric rice, basmati, yellow rice, side dish