Homemade steamed turmeric rice is a flavorful and aromatic dish made with long-grain rice, turmeric powder, and a few simple ingredients. This dish is a popular staple in many parts of Asia, including India, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
How To Make:
To make homemade steamed turmeric rice, start by washing the rice thoroughly in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in fresh water for 30 minutes before draining and rinsing it again.
In a pot, combine the rice with fresh water in a 1:2 ratio (1 cup of rice to 2 cups of water) and add turmeric powder, salt, and a tablespoon of oil. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once the water starts boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for about 18-20 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and the water has been absorbed.
Once the rice is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it sit for about 5 minutes with the lid on. This will allow the steam to further cook the rice and make it fluffier. Using a fork, fluff the rice and serve it hot.
The turmeric powder gives the rice a beautiful golden-yellow color and a subtle earthy flavor. This dish can be served as a side dish or as a base for a variety of curries, stews, and other main dishes. It's a healthy and delicious way to add a vibrant and flavorful twist to your regular rice dishes.
WHAT IS TURMERIC?
Turmeric is a spice commonly used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine, known for its bright yellow-orange color and earthy, slightly bitter taste. The spice comes from the turmeric plant (Curcuma longa), which is a member of the ginger family. Turmeric is often used to give color and flavor to curries, sauces, and rice dishes, and is also used in traditional medicine practices for its potential health benefits.
The active ingredient in turmeric is called curcumin, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Curcumin has been studied for its potential benefits in reducing inflammation, improving brain function, and reducing the risk of certain diseases. Turmeric can be found fresh, dried, or ground into a powder, and is often used in combination with other spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF TURMERIC?
On exactly how healthful turmeric is, the jury is still out. Turmeric contains Curcumin which is anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant. These are great for numerous effects – boost brain function, and fight heart complaints and cancer. still, turmeric only contains 3 curcumin, and the body doesn’t absorb curcumin veritably well. You can feel good about adding turmeric to your food whether or not it has amazing healing properties.
HOW TO MAKE TURMERIC RICE
Wash rice until water runs clear, drain.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil painting and adulation.
When the adulation is melted, add onion and garlic, and saute until softened.
Add rice and turmeric. Stir until combined. Add funk broth and bay splint, and cover the visage. Increase heat and bring to a pustule.
Reduce heat, and allow to poach 15- 20 twinkles, or until liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and allow to sit for 5 twinkles. Remove the bay splint, fluff with a chopstick, and serve.
Here are some tips and variations to help you make the perfect batch:
Tips:
Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming too sticky.
Use a rice cooker or a heavy-bottomed pot with a tight-fitting lid to cook the rice evenly.
Add turmeric powder or grated fresh turmeric to the rice while it's cooking to give it a vibrant yellow color and a mild, earthy flavor.
Use a 1:1.5 ratio of rice to water for the best results.
After the rice is done cooking, let it sit for 5-10 minutes before fluffing it with a fork to prevent it from becoming too mushy.
Variations:
Coconut turmeric rice: Add a can of coconut milk to the rice and water mixture for a creamy and slightly sweet version of this dish.
Spicy turmeric rice: Add some red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers to the rice for a kick of heat.
Lemon turmeric rice: Squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the cooked rice and sprinkle with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a bright and zesty flavor.
Turmeric fried rice: Stir fry the cooked rice with some chopped vegetables, protein, and a little bit of soy sauce for a quick and easy meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of basmati rice
- 2 cups of water
- 1/2 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter or ghee
Instructions:
Rinse the basmati rice in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear.
In a medium-sized pot, add the rinsed rice, 2 cups of water, turmeric powder, salt, and butter/ghee. Stir to combine.
Bring the pot to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.
Cook the rice on low heat for about 18-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit covered for 5-10 minutes to allow the rice to steam and absorb any remaining moisture.
Using a fork, fluff the rice and serve it hot.
Optional: You can add additional spices or herbs like cumin, coriander, or fresh cilantro to the rice for added flavor. You can also add peas, carrots, or other vegetables to the rice to make it a more complete dish.