Yellow Rice: Easy Recipe for Yellow Turmeric Rice

This Yellow Rice  is Easy to prepare and simply delicious.

Taste great on it own or served alongside

tasty sauces, curries and meat of choice.

Yellow rice and chicken

A few months ago on instagram and facebook, I shared an image of this yellow rice which I had served with a juicy garlic chicken and yummy salad and promised to have the recipe up asap. Ever since, I have received DM’s asking for the promised recipe.

The recipe for the garlic chicken is already on this blog and can be found HERE. The salad is simply a mixture of purple cabbage, carrots and baby spinach.

So now for the yellow turmeric rice, I have to warn you that this is not the traditional South African yellow rice, nor is it the classic Cuban red or Spanish saffron yellow rice. Instead it is a modified and easier version of my favorite Indian turmeric yellow rice.

The classic Indian yellow rice is usually prepared by boiling/steaming any white rice(or brown rice) with turmeric or saffron(azafrán as we call it here in Spain) and sauted spices. The turmeric and saffron give it that famous yellow color. And for many who can’t stand the taste of turmeric, I highly recommend curry powder, which also has turmeric in it but well mellowed down by the flavour of other spices in the powder.

Just like I warned earlier, I prepare my yellow rice by adding a tiny bit of green bell peppers ; this isn’t commonly added to most yellow rice recipes.  But there is something about the fragrance of the green bell peppers that I simply can’t resist. Add it to plain white rice and you immediately have an aromatic gourmet rice dish(okay that’s just my opinion, a yummy-yummy one).

Thanks to hubby’s friends I have a monthly supply of parboiled long grain white rice and use it for most of my rice recipes, but in the recipe notes below is a detailed explanation on how to make use of any type of long grain rice to prepare yellow rice.

To prepare this  rice, I started out as the Indians do, by sauteing the spices(garlic, onions, ginger, turmeric, curry powder and peppers). This is one step I enjoy and even though it brings out the great flavors of the spices , I am very guilty of simply adding the spices into the boiling stock which I’ll be using for the yellow rice. Easy Peasy, lazy me! Now let’s get started.

See also  Adalu (Nigerian Beans and Corn Porridge )

Ingredients
– 2 cups long grain white or brown rice (rinsed or parboiled: see details in recipe tip below)
– 4 tablespoonful Butter or plain cooking oil(canola , nut oil, sunflower or olive oil)
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 teaspoons minced garlic
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder or 1 medium onion chopped
– 1/4 teaspoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon turmeric or ¼ teaspoon saffron
– 1/2 teaspoon minced ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
– 1/4 green bell pepper minced (about 1/4 cup)(optional)
– Cayenne pepper to taste
– 5 cups stock (chicken or vegetable) or 3 large boulion cubes or chicken stock base mixed in water
– 1 teaspoon salt

Preparation

1. Wash rinse or parboil your long fgrain rice of choice.
I made use of parboiled long grain white rice and followed the extra parboiling method on this page, which I tend to use often to get rid of excess starch in the rice. As it makes the rice sticky and more likely to burn before cooking completely.
I recommend this method if you’re cooking for ”starch detecting taste buds” just like my hubby. But you don’t have to do that.
You can simply rinse the rice in hot water until it runs clear and set aside.

Recipe notes: if using basmati or jasmine rice, simply rinse until clear before using. For brown rice lovers, you can make use of any of the two processes but remember to add an extra cup of water or stock and also cook for a longer time(15 minutes more) before putting off the heat.

2. Now in a saucepan or medium pot, heat up the oil and saute or stir fry the garlic, onions, ginger, turmeric, curry powder and peppers until fragrant.

3. Add the parboiled or rinsed rice and mix together until well combined.

4. Then pour in about 4 to 5 cups of chicken stock or water and salt to taste, mix well and set to a boil on high heat, then lower the heat to medium , cover and leave to cook for 15 to 20 minutes(depending on the type of rice you are using).

5. Check to be sure the turmeric yellow rice is well cooked(tender and chewable) , if not add extra water or stock and cook until done , then remove from heat and uncover.

6. A perfect yellow rice is supposed to be non-sticky and fluffy . Fluff the rice with a fork or wooden spoon, serve and enjoy!

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I garnished my yellow rice with diced tomatoes ans served with honey garlic chicken and salad, but like every rice dish, this can also be accompanied with savoury sauces, curries, meat, chicken and seafoods.

Recipe notes: if using basmati or jasmine rice, simply rinse the rice until clear before using. For brown rice lovers, you can make use of any of the two processes but remember to add an extra cup of water or stock and also cook for a longer time(15 minutes more) before putting off the heat.

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Yellow Rice Recipe

Yellow Rice Recipe

Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Additional Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Yellow Rice - Easy to prepare and simply delicious. Seasoned with health beneficial turmeric, antioxidant ginger and flavorful curry powder and green bell peppers.Taste great on it own or served alongside tasty sauces, curries and meat of choice.

Ingredients

  • - 2 cups long grain white or brown rice (rinsed or parboiled: see details in recipe tip below)
  • - 4 tablespoonful Butter or plain cooking oil(canola ,nut oil, sunflower or olive oil)
  • - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder or 1 medium onion chopped
  • - 1/4 teaspoon curry powder
  • - 1 teaspoon turmeric or ¼ teaspoon saffron
  • - 1/2 teaspoon minced ginger
  • - 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • - 1/4 green bell pepper minced (about 1/4 cup)(optional)
  • - Cayenne pepper to taste
  • - 5 cups stock (chicken or vegetable) or 2 boulion cubes or chicken stock base mixed in water
  • - 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Wash rinse or parboil your long fgrain rice of choice.
  2. Now in a saucepan or medium pot, heat up the oil and saute or stir fry the garlic, onions, ginger, turmeric, curry powder and peppers until fragrant.
  3. Add the parboiled or rinsed rice and mix together until well combined.
  4. Then pour in about 4 to 5 cups of chicken stock or water and salt to taste, mix well and set to a boil on high heat, then lower the heat to medium , cover and leave to cook for 15 to 20 minutes(depending on the type of rice you are using).
  5. Check to be sure the turmeric yellow rice is well cooked(tender and chewable) , if not add extra water or stock and cook until done , then remove from heat and uncover.
  6. Fluff the rice with a fork or wooden spoon, serve and enjoy!

    I served my yellow rice with honey garlic chicken and salad, but like every rice dish, this can also be accompanied with savoury sauces, curries, meat, chicken and seafoods.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 286Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 711mgCarbohydrates: 30gFiber: 3gSugar: 2gProtein: 5g

FAQs about Yellow Rice:

  1. What is Yellow Rice?

    Yellow Rice is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish known for its vibrant yellow color. It is often seasoned with spices like turmeric, saffron, or achiote, which give it its characteristic hue and a unique taste.

  2. How is Yellow Rice different from regular white rice?

    Yellow Rice is different from regular white rice in terms of color and flavor. It is typically infused with spices that give it a yellow color and a more robust, savory taste.

  3. What spices are commonly used to make Yellow Rice?

    Turmeric is one of the most common spices used to make Yellow Rice. Saffron and achiote are also used to achieve the yellow color and add a distinct flavor.

  4. Is Yellow Rice spicy?

    Yellow Rice is not inherently spicy. However, the level of spiciness can be adjusted based on the spices and seasonings used in the recipe.

  5. Can I make Yellow Rice from scratch?

    Yes, Yellow Rice can be made from scratch by combining rice with the desired spices and seasonings. Recipes vary, but turmeric or saffron is often used to achieve the yellow color.

  6. What dishes can I serve with Yellow Rice?

    Yellow Rice pairs well with a variety of dishes, including chicken, seafood, vegetables, and stews. It is a versatile side dish that complements various cuisines.

  7. Is Yellow Rice gluten-free?

    Yellow Rice can be gluten-free, depending on the ingredients used. To ensure it is gluten-free, check that the spices and any additional seasonings do not contain gluten.

  8. Are there health benefits associated with Yellow Rice?

    Yellow Rice may offer some health benefits due to the spices used. For example, turmeric, a common ingredient, contains curcumin, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

  9. Is Yellow Rice a traditional dish in any specific cuisine?

    Yellow Rice is a traditional dish in various cuisines, including Spanish, Latin American, and South Asian cuisines. It is often a staple side dish in these regions.

  10. Can I buy pre-packaged Yellow Rice at the store?

    Yes, pre-packaged Yellow Rice is available in many grocery stores. These convenient mixes typically contain the spices and rice needed to make Yellow Rice.

  11. How can I store leftover Yellow Rice?

    Leftover Yellow Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to enjoy again.

  12. Can I make a vegan or vegetarian version of Yellow Rice?

    Yes, you can make a vegan or vegetarian Yellow Rice by using vegetable broth and ensuring that all the spices and ingredients are plant-based.

 

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1 Comment

  1. SB Group Nepal
    April 27, 2023 / 7:08 am

    Thanks for sharing this very well-written and worth-reading article.
    Wish to see more in the coming days.