Easy Yellow Turmeric Rice

Rice on its own is a staple in so many kitchens. It’s so easy to use and can be paired with just about anything. You’ll love adding some vibrance and flavor to your everyday rice with this easy yellow turmeric rice recipe. Cook up some fresh rice or pull your leftover rice out of the fridge and spice it up with some simple ingredients. This is sure to become a favorite recipe in your kitchen!

Turmeric rice is a dish that has been used for centuries in Indian cuisine. It pairs well with roasted veggies, curries, or nourish bowls. I also love adding it to a salad with some falafel. It’s also tasty on it’s own! And it can be customized to fit your own flavor interests. The combination of turmeric with garlic and onion bring your ordinary rice to life. Not to mention the nutritional benefits of each of these ingredients.

Why you’ll love this yellow rice recipe

Nutritious- Like ginger, turmeric is a root, in fact, ginger and turmeric are in the same family. It is the primary spice in Indian curry and has many healing benefits. This is because of an active substance called curcumin. Curcumin has antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and even anticancer properties. Dr. Axe has written about many of the benefits of turmeric. Turmeric has the possibility of reducing blood clots, relieving symptoms of depression, fighting inflammation, and improving skin health. If you’re not already using turmeric in your kitchen, this is just the recipe to start with! You don’t want to miss out on these benefits.

Flavorful and vegan-Aside from the health benefits of turmeric, you’ll love the aromatic garlic and onion paired with creamy coconut milk, and lemon juice for a subtle tangy flavor. This recipe is so delicious and will delight vegans and non-vegans alike. Traditional turmeric rice doesn’t include coconut milk, but I love adding it here. It gives a slightly more present curry vibe to this recipe and I love the creaminess that it creates.

Quick and easy-Whether you have leftover rice or not, this recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients.

Ingredients for Easy Yellow Turmeric Rice

• Cooked Rice-I like Basmati or Jasmine Rice. Leftover rice works very well! I almost prefer this because it gives you two days (or more!) of rice, but with different flavors.
• Coconut Milk-adds creaminess and is a healthy fat.
• Onion-chopped and sautéed. You can’t go wrong with sautéing an onion in olive oil. If you don’t know where to start with dinner, just start sautéing an onion!
• Fresh garlic-if you don’t have fresh garlic, then powdered will work here, but I highly recommend getting fresh garlic. You can’t beat the flavor.
• Turmeric Powder-makes this rice yellow and gives it that unique Indian flavor.
• Nutritional Yeast (optional)-a vegan source of protein and rich in B vitamins. This ingredient gives your easy yellow turmeric rice a slightly cheesy or bouillon flavor and adds to that yellow color. You don’t have to use nutritional yeast in this recipe, but I think it is a yummy addition.
• Fresh Lemon Juice-for a slight tang.
• Sea salt
• Pepper

How to make Easy Yellow Turmeric Rice

Pour olive oil onto a pan and warm on low-medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Stir frequently to prevent burning.

Next, add fresh minced garlic and turmeric powder. Briefly sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add 1-2 Tbsp of water and stir.

Stir in the cooked rice, add water and coconut milk and cook for an additional minute or so. Just long enough for the rice mixture to heat through.

Finally, take off the heat and stir in the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Serve and enjoy!

Yield: 4 cups

Easy Yellow Turmeric Rice

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You'll love adding some vibrance and flavor to your everyday rice with this easy yellow turmeric rice recipe. This is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen!

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked rice
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, about 1 cup chopped
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup canned coconut milk
• 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 Tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 3/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions

1. Pour olive oil into a pan on low-medium heat. Add chopped onion and saute for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
2. Next, add fresh mined garlic and turmeric powder. Briefly saute for an additional 1-2 minutes. If the mixture is too thick, add 1-2 Tbsp of water and stir.
3. Stir in the cooked rice, add water, bring to a simmer and allow to heat through. Add the coconut milk and cook for an additional minute.
4. Finally, stir in the nutritional yeast, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
5. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

*Can substitute coconut milk with more water

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 139Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 222mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 1gSugar: 1gProtein: 3g

Optional changes and substitutions

In place of white rice, this recipe could be made with brown rice or quinoa.

Adjust the flavors to your liking by adding more garlic or including ginger, either fresh or powdered.

Instead of coconut milk, you can also add creaminess by adding cashew cream that can be easily made by blending soaked cashews. If you prefer less creamy turmeric rice, omit the coconut milk altogether and replace with more water.

Storing and Freezing

How do I store turmeric rice? Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to five days. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. During the freezing/thawing process, the texture of the onions may change slightly. To prevent this, substitute fresh onions for 1 tsp onion powder if freezing.

Ideas for ways to eat easy yellow turmeric rice

Easy yellow turmeric rice works well as a side dish in many ways. Use it alongside roasted vegetables or make a salad by adding greens, steamed vegetables, and peanut sauce. This is also a delicious addition to a curry dinner and it can be used in place of plain rice, giving your meal extra flavor. It’s a dish that can be enjoyed year-round!