Golden Turmeric Basmati Rice with Aromatic Spices
Elevate your dining experience with this delightful and fragrant turmeric rice inspired by Madhur Jaffrey. This dish marries the subtle flavors of basmati rice with aromatic spices including cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon, creating a comforting yet sophisticated accompaniment to a variety of meals. Perfect for casual family dinners or elegant gatherings, the delicate yellow hue adds a vibrant touch to your plate. Leftovers can easily be transformed into a tasty stir fry, making this a versatile recipe that deserves a spot in your culinary repertoire.
4
Servings
265
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Basmati rice
450 g (long grain, washed and drained)
Vegetable oil
3 tablespoons (for cooking)
Cloves
3 (whole)
Bay leaf
1 (whole)
Cardamom pods
4 (whole)
Cinnamon bark
2.5 cm (whole)
Garlic cloves
2 (peeled and finely chopped)
Ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon (for flavoring)
Salt
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Water
22 ounces (for cooking)
Chopped chives
for garnish (fresh, to sprinkle on top)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the basmati rice in several changes of water until the water runs clear. Drain the rice and let it sit in a strainer over a bowl to remove any excess water.
2
In a heavy-based saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot and bubbling.
3
Add the whole cloves, bay leaf, cardamom pods, and cinnamon bark to the hot oil. Stir them for a few seconds to release their fragrance before adding the finely chopped garlic.
4
As soon as the garlic turns a lovely medium brown, add the drained rice, ground turmeric, and salt. Gently stir the mixture for about one minute to coat the rice with the oil and spices.
5
Pour in the measured water, bring it to a rolling boil, and then cover the pan tightly with a lid. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and let it simmer undisturbed for 20 minutes.
6
After the cooking time, remove the saucepan from heat. Let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the rice.
7
Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains, and serve warm, garnished with chopped chives or spring onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Nutrition Information
4 g
Fat
55 g
Carbs
4.5 g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Golden Turmeric Basmati Rice with Aromatic Spices?
It is a fragrant, yellow-hued side dish featuring basmati rice, turmeric, and whole spices like cardamom and cinnamon.
Who inspired this specific recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the culinary style and techniques of Madhur Jaffrey.
What are the main spices used in this dish?
The recipe uses whole cloves, a bay leaf, cardamom pods, cinnamon bark, and ground turmeric.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this rice?
Each serving contains approximately 265 calories.
Is this turmeric rice recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish is classified as a vegetarian recipe.
What type of rice should I use for the best results?
Long-grain basmati rice is required for its unique texture and aroma.
Why is it important to rinse the rice before cooking?
Rinsing removes excess starch until the water runs clear, ensuring the grains remain separate and fluffy rather than sticky.
How long should the rice simmer on the stove?
The rice should simmer undisturbed on the lowest heat setting for 20 minutes.
Should the rice be left to rest after the heat is turned off?
Yes, let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the grains perfectly.
What ingredient gives the rice its vibrant yellow color?
The addition of ground turmeric provides the signature delicate yellow hue.
Can this rice dish be used for meal prep?
Yes, it is an excellent option for meal prep and is very easy to reheat.
What is the recommended garnish for this recipe?
The recipe suggests garnishing with fresh chopped chives or spring onions for a pop of color.
How can I repurpose leftovers from this dish?
Leftover rice can be easily transformed into a flavorful stir fry.
How much water is needed for 450 grams of rice?
The recipe calls for 22 ounces of water for cooking.
What type of oil is used to sauté the spices?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil for cooking.
At what stage should the garlic be added?
Add the finely chopped garlic after stirring the whole spices in the hot oil for a few seconds.
How long do I toast the rice with the spices?
Stir the rice with the oil, turmeric, and salt for about one minute to coat the grains before adding water.
Is this dish appropriate for formal dinner parties?
Yes, its sophisticated flavor profile and bright color make it suitable for both casual family dinners and elegant gatherings.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 4.5 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 55 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving of this rice contains 4 grams of fat.
Does the recipe use whole or ground aromatic spices?
It uses a combination of whole spices like cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon, alongside ground turmeric.
How should the garlic be prepared for this recipe?
Two garlic cloves should be peeled and then finely chopped.
What is the best way to separate the rice grains before serving?
Gently fluff the rice with a fork after it has finished resting.
Does this recipe contain any cholesterol?
The recipe data indicates that cholesterol information is not specified.
What cultural cuisine is this dish associated with?
This recipe is associated with Indian cuisine.
What should the heat setting be once the water reaches a boil?
Once the water is at a rolling boil, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cover tightly.
How much salt is used for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt.
What size piece of cinnamon bark is required?
You should use a piece of cinnamon bark that is approximately 2.5 cm long.