Quick & Flavorful Spanish Turmeric Rice
This Quick & Flavorful Spanish Turmeric Rice is a delightful tribute to my Dominican grandmother's classic yellow rice recipe, but with a simplified twist that suits my lazy cooking style. Using turmeric instead of the traditional saffron not only gives the rice its beautiful golden hue but also lends a warm, earthy flavor. This recipe combines aromatic shallots, garlic, and sweet peas for a well-rounded dish that's perfect as a side or a main. Best of all, it stores well in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy the comforting taste of home cooking anytime you crave it. Adjust the ingredients to your liking, and watch as this easy recipe quickly becomes a favorite in your household!
N/A
Servings
103
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shallots or Yellow Onions
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Vegetable Oil or Butter
2 teaspoons
Garlic Cloves
1-3 (minced (to taste))
Long Grain White Rice
1 1/2 cups (rinsed)
Chicken Broth or Water
2 1/4 cups
Salt
1 teaspoon
Turmeric
1/2 teaspoon
Frozen Peas
to taste
Cilantro
for garnish (fresh, chopped)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, heat the vegetable oil or butter over medium-high heat.
2
Once hot, add the chopped shallots and minced garlic, sautéing until they begin to brown, about 2-3 minutes.
3
Stir in the rinsed rice, allowing it to toast slightly for about a minute, coating it in the oil.
4
Pour in the chicken broth (or water), and add the turmeric and salt, stirring to combine.
5
Add the frozen peas gradually, aimed to cover the surface of the broth. They will float to the top as you add them.
6
Bring the mixture to a boil. This should take a few minutes.
7
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
8
Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes before fluffing with a fork.
9
Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
2.5g
Fat
17.5g
Carbs
2.8g
Protein
0.75g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Quick & Flavorful Spanish Turmeric Rice?
It is a simplified version of a traditional Dominican yellow rice recipe that uses turmeric instead of saffron for a beautiful golden color and earthy flavor.
What gives this rice its vibrant yellow color?
The golden hue is provided by 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric, which serves as an easy alternative to traditional saffron.
Is this recipe based on any specific cuisine?
Yes, it is a tribute to a Dominican grandmother's classic yellow rice recipe, adapted for a simpler cooking style.
What type of rice should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of long grain white rice, which should be rinsed before cooking.
Can I use onions if I don't have shallots?
Yes, you can substitute shallots with 2 tablespoons of chopped yellow onions.
What kind of fat is used for sautéing the aromatics?
You can use either 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil or butter.
How many garlic cloves are recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1 to 3 minced garlic cloves, depending on your personal taste.
Can I make this rice vegetarian?
Yes, simply use water or vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make the dish vegetarian.
How much liquid is needed for this amount of rice?
You will need 2 1/4 cups of chicken broth or water for 1 1/2 cups of rice.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to heat the vegetable oil or butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat.
How long should I sauté the shallots and garlic?
Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to brown.
Why do I need to toast the rice?
Toasting the rice for about a minute in the oil helps coat the grains and adds flavor before adding liquid.
When do I add the turmeric?
Stir in the turmeric along with the salt and liquid after the rice has been toasted.
How are the frozen peas added to the dish?
Add the frozen peas gradually to the broth; they will naturally float to the top.
How long does the rice need to simmer?
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat and simmer covered for 15-20 minutes.
How do I know when the rice is finished cooking?
The rice is ready when it is tender and all the liquid has been absorbed.
What should I do after the rice is done simmering?
Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before fluffing with a fork.
What is the recommended garnish?
Garnish the rice with fresh, chopped cilantro for an extra burst of flavor.
How many calories are in a serving?
There are 103 calories per serving of this turmeric rice.
How much protein is in this rice dish?
Each serving contains approximately 2.8g of protein.
Does this rice contain much fat?
No, it contains a relatively low fat content of 2.5g per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 17.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there fiber in this recipe?
Yes, it contains about 0.75g of fiber per serving.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe uses 9 ingredients, including the garnish.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge, making it a great option for enjoying throughout the week.
Can I adjust the seasonings?
Absolutely, the recipe encourages adjusting ingredients to your personal liking.
Is this recipe considered a main dish or a side dish?
It is versatile and can be served as either a flavorful side dish or a main.
What is the texture of the rice?
When cooked correctly, the rice should be tender and fluffed.
Does this recipe include any sugar?
Based on the nutritional data provided, there is no sugar listed for this recipe.
What makes this a 'lazy' cooking style recipe?
It simplifies the traditional process by using easy-to-find turmeric and frozen peas for a quick, one-pot result.