Description
A fragrant and vibrant Garlic Turmeric Rice recipe that features basmati rice cooked with sautéed onions, garlic, and turmeric, infused with rich chicken or vegetable stock, creating a flavorful and colorful side dish perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter or ghee
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- 1 cup basmati rice (or long-grain rice), rinsed and drained
- 2 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat Butter or Ghee: In a medium pot, melt the butter or ghee over medium heat to prepare the base for sautéing the aromatics.
- Sauté Onions: Add the finely diced onion to the melted butter and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their natural sweetness.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring it does not brown to avoid bitterness.
- Add Turmeric: Sprinkle in the turmeric powder and stir well with the onion and garlic mixture to evenly coat and release its earthy color and flavor.
- Add Rice: Add the rinsed and drained basmati rice to the pot, stirring to coat each grain with the spiced aromatic mixture.
- Toast Rice: Cook the rice mixture for about 1 minute, lightly toasting the grains to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Add Stock and Salt: Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock and add salt to taste, stirring to combine all ingredients.
- Boil and Simmer: Increase heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently.
- Cook Rice: Let the rice cook covered for 15 minutes, allowing the liquid to fully absorb and the rice to become tender.
- Rest Rice: Remove the pot from heat and keep it covered, letting the rice sit undisturbed for 5 minutes to finish steaming and settle the texture.
- Fluff and Garnish: Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate grains, garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve warm as a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice before cooking removes excess starch and prevents clumping.
- You can substitute butter with ghee for a richer flavor and higher smoke point.
- Adjust salt according to taste and the saltiness of your stock.
- Using vegetable stock makes this dish vegetarian-friendly; chicken stock adds more depth.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add a pop of color and freshness.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based butter or oil and vegetable stock.
