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Easy Garlic Turmeric Rice: Fluffy Golden Side Dish

A mound of bright yellow, fluffy turmeric rice served on a white plate.

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You can make this flavorful, vibrant golden rice on the stovetop in under 30 minutes. This recipe uses garlic and turmeric to create a fluffy side dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 3/4 cups water or low-sodium chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  3. Add the rinsed basmati rice to the saucepan. Toast the rice for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the edges look slightly translucent.
  4. Stir in the ground turmeric, salt, and pepper until the rice is evenly coated in the yellow spice.
  5. Pour in the water or broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  6. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting, cover the saucepan tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 10 minutes. This step helps the rice steam and become fluffy.
  8. Remove the lid and fluff the Garlic Turmeric Rice gently with a fork before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, substitute half the water with coconut milk for a Coconut Turmeric Rice variation.
  • Rinsing the basmati rice removes excess starch, which helps you achieve a truly fluffy texture.
  • This rice pairs well with grilled chicken or your favorite curry dishes.

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