This Turmeric Rice comes together in about 20 minutes and cooks all in one pot for a quick side dish that your family will absolutely love! Feel free to switch up the vegetables or grains to suit your taste or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of leftovers and odds and ends. Whether you need a colorful accompaniment for a family dinner or a meal prep staple for the busy week ahead, this recipe fits the bill perfectly!
Ingredient Breakdown
- Rice
- Water or Broth
- Butter
- Turmeric
- Garlic
- Onion
- Salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s Get Cooking!
Melt the Butter (2-3 minutes) In a medium-sized pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Take a second to enjoy that mouth-watering smell!
Sauté Onions and Garlic (3-5 minutes) Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Stirring occasionally, sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, this should take about 3-5 minutes. You’ll be amazed at how magical it smells; it’s like a hug for your senses!
Stir in the Turmeric (1 minute) Now, stir in the turmeric and let it cook for an additional minute. This is where you’ll really see that vibrant yellow color come alive!
Add the Rice & Liquid (2 minutes) Toss in the rice, followed by your water or broth, and a couple of pinches of salt. Stir everything together, then bring it to a boil.
Simmer (15 minutes) Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. It’s important to resist the urge to lift the lid during this time! The steam will help the rice cook perfectly.
Fluff and Serve (2 minutes) When it’s done cooking, remove the pot from heat and let it sit, still covered, for another 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork to separate those fluffy grains. And voila! You’re ready to serve!
My Personal Connection with Turmeric Rice
This is my go-to recipe when I need comfort food that doesn’t take hours to prepare. Honestly, I’m a real sucker for anything turmeric, its vibrant color and distinct flavor just do it for me! Plus, it’s one of those recipes that adapts to whatever ingredients I have on hand. I whip it up for weeknight dinners, and my family keeps asking for seconds. Seriously, when my kids polish off their plates and ask for more, I know I’ve hit the culinary jackpot!
If you loved this Turmeric Rice, be sure to check out my Homemade Mexican Rice, my Sun-Dried Tomato and Spinach Risotto, or my Southern Style Dirty Rice!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This Turmeric Rice comes together in under 20 minutes, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights. I mean, who doesn’t love a meal that looks impressive but requires minimal effort?
One Pot Wonder
Cleanup is a breeze when everything cooks together in one pot. Just think, less time scrubbing dishes and more time enjoying your meal (or, let’s be real… family game night)!
Customizable Recipe
Feeling a little adventurous? The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! You can easily throw in whatever vegetables you have lying around frozen peas, diced carrots, or even some bell peppers will work beautifully. Get creative!
Comfort Food
It’s loaded with tons of flavor from the garlic and spices, making this Turmeric Rice a cozy addition to any plate!
Budget-Friendly
Using affordable, everyday ingredients, this recipe won’t break the bank, yet it delivers on flavor and nutrition. Such an easy way to feed your family!
Serving Suggestions
What to Serve With This
This Turmeric Rice is perfect alongside grilled chicken, roasted veggies, or even spicy curries. You might even want to pair it with my Easy Chicken Tikka Masala or Baked Salmon with Dill for an incredible dinner combo!
Storage
Leftover rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy it later, it’s a great option for meal prep!
Reheating Instructions
Reheat in the microwave, adding a splash of water to keep it moist, or you can warm it up in a skillet over medium heat, just remember to stir frequently so it doesn’t stick!
Is It Freezer Friendly?
Yes! This Turmeric Rice is freezer-friendly too. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! A recipe that’s quick, easy, and loaded with all kinds of flavorful goodness. You’ll be amazed by how such simple ingredients can create something that feels so rich and satisfying.
Whether you’re trying it out for the first time or making it your new go-to family favorite, I hope it brings warmth and joy to your dinner table, just as it does in mine. Enjoy your cooking, friends, and let’s fill our homes with delicious aromas! Follow LunaChef on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration and air fryer cooking tips.
Turmeric Rice
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium-sized pot, melt the butter over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
- Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the turmeric and cook for an additional minute.
- Toss in the rice, followed by your water or broth, and a couple of pinches of salt. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.
- After cooking, remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.