Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Turmeric Rice is a simple yet flavorful dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of main courses. The golden hue from the turmeric not only makes the rice visually appealing but also adds a mild, earthy flavor that enhances any meal. It’s an easy and quick recipe, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or as a side dish for curries, grilled meats, and vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Long-grain white rice
- Water or broth
- Turmeric powder
- Olive oil or butter
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic (optional)
Directions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add turmeric powder and stir for a minute to release its flavor.
- Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to coat the rice in the turmeric.
- Pour in water or broth and bring it to a boil.
- Add salt and black pepper to taste, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pot and simmer for about 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or cloves for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Stir in sautéed onions or garlic for extra flavor.
- Use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water for a richer taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a fresh, herby finish.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover Turmeric Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and microwave or heat it on the stove until warm.

FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook.
Can I make this rice ahead of time?
Yes, Turmeric Rice can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for later use.
Can I use fresh turmeric instead of powder?
Yes, you can grate fresh turmeric, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, it’s not spicy. Turmeric provides a warm, earthy flavor, but there is no heat from chili peppers.
Conclusion
Turmeric Rice is a versatile and vibrant dish that brings a unique flavor to any meal. Its simplicity and rich color make it an easy addition to your regular cooking repertoire. Whether you’re serving it with a curry or grilled chicken, this rice is sure to be a hit!
PrintTurmeric Rice
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Turmeric Rice is a vibrant and aromatic side dish made with long-grain rice and infused with turmeric, giving it a beautiful golden color and subtle earthy flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add the turmeric, cumin (if using), black pepper, and salt to the pan, stirring for about 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Add the rice to the saucepan, stirring to coat the rice in the spices.
- Pour in the water or vegetable broth and add the bay leaf (if using).
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and discard the bay leaf before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute vegetable broth for water to add more flavor to the rice.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of turmeric according to your preference for color and flavor.
- This rice pairs well with a variety of dishes, such as curries, grilled vegetables, and meats.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
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