Turmeric Rice Recipe – Indian Yellow Rice

My Turmeric Rice Recipe is an easy Indian-style yellow rice made with basmati rice, onion, ghee, stock, turmeric, and whole spices. It is fragrant, fluffy, and ready in about 30 minutes; a great side dish for curries, grilled meat, stews, and simple weeknight dinners.

Jump to:

• What Is Turmeric Rice?
• Is Turmeric Rice the Same as Yellow Rice?
• Why This Recipe Works
• Ingredients You'll Need
• Best Rice for Turmeric Rice
• How to Make Turmeric Rice
• Recipe Tips From the Chef
• Serving Suggestions
• Variations
• How to Store Leftover Turmeric Rice
• Recipe FAQ's
• Related Recipes
• Turmeric Rice Recipe – Indian Yellow Rice

This recipe is not the same as plain boiled rice with turmeric added at the end. The onion and whole spices are gently cooked in ghee first, then the rice is simmered with stock so every grain has flavor. Turmeric gives the rice its golden yellow color, while cardamom, bay leaves, and cinnamon add a gentle Indian-style aroma without making the dish overpowering.

I like serving this Indian yellow rice with dishes like Butternut Squash and Chickpea Curry, Tandoori Chicken, and Dal Palak (Spinach Dal). It is simple enough for everyday meals but still has enough flavor to sit next to richer curries and grilled dishes.

What Is Turmeric Rice?

Turmeric rice is a simple rice dish made with rice, turmeric, and seasonings. The turmeric gives the rice its warm yellow color and earthy flavor. Many versions are made with basmati rice, onions, garlic, stock, and spices, especially in Indian-style recipes.

This version is closer to an Indian-style pilau than plain yellow rice. The rice is washed and soaked first, then cooked gently with onion, ghee, turmeric, cardamom, bay leaves, cinnamon, and stock. The result is fluffy yellow rice with separate grains and a mild spiced flavor.

You may also see similar recipes called Indian yellow rice, turmeric basmati rice, yellow basmati rice, or turmeric pilau rice. The names can vary, but the main idea is the same: rice cooked with turmeric and aromatics until fluffy and golden.

Is Turmeric Rice the Same as Yellow Rice?

Turmeric rice is one type of yellow rice. Yellow rice is a broader name and can refer to rice colored with turmeric, saffron, annatto, or seasoning blends, depending on the cuisine.

In this recipe, the yellow color comes from turmeric. That is why turmeric rice is the clearer name for the post, while Indian yellow rice works well as a secondary keyword. It helps readers understand exactly what kind of yellow rice they are making.

Why This Recipe Works

• Basmati rice gives the best texture because the grains stay long, light, and separate when cooked properly.

• Washing and soaking the rice helps remove extra starch, which makes the cooked rice fluffier and less sticky.

• Cooking the onion and spices in ghee first builds flavor before the stock and rice go into the pan.

• Stock adds more flavor than water, so the rice tastes good on its own as well as with curries and stews.

• Turmeric gives the rice a golden color and earthy flavor without needing a long list of ingredients.

• Resting the rice after cooking lets the steam finish the job, so the grains settle before you fluff them with a fork.

Ingredients You'll Need

Please scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with measurements, complete recipe method, recipe notes, and nutritional information.

• Rice - Basmati rice is the best choice for this turmeric rice recipe because it cooks up light and fluffy with separate grains.

• Turmeric - It gives the rice a golden yellow color and warm, earthy flavor. You only need 1 teaspoon for this recipe. Too much turmeric can make the rice taste bitter, so it is best not to overdo it.

• Ghee - Ghee gives this Indian turmeric rice a richer flavor and works beautifully with the spices. Butter also works well. For a dairy-free or vegan version, use olive oil or vegetable oil and choose vegetable stock.

• Bay leaves – This aromatic leaf adds so much flavor to rice so try not to skip it. Remove them from the pan before serving.

• Stock - It adds great flavor to pilau dishes. Use Basic Homemade Vegetable Stock for the vegan option. Chicken Stock (Bone Broth) also works perfectly with rice dishes. Alternatively, you can use stock cubes or store-bought stock.

• Green Cardamom - They give the rice a light floral aroma. You can add them whole or gently split them before adding them to the pan. Remove them before serving, or warn people they are there.

• Cinnamon stick - It adds extra aromatic flavor to this vibrant rice dish. Split it in half before adding it to the rice for extra cinnamon flavor.

Best Rice for Turmeric Rice

Basmati rice is the best option for this recipe. It has long grains, a lovely aroma, and cooks into a fluffy texture when washed, soaked, and simmered gently.

Long-grain white rice also works, but the texture will be slightly different. Jasmine rice can be used, but it is softer and more fragrant in a different way, so it may not give the same Indian-style pilau texture.

Avoid short-grain rice, risotto rice, sushi rice, and quick-cook rice. These types are too starchy or too soft for this recipe and can turn the dish sticky.

How to Make Turmeric Rice

Wash and Soak the Rice

Place the basmati rice in a bowl and rinse it under cold running water until the water runs clear. This step helps remove excess starch and gives you fluffier rice.

Soak the rice in cold water for 20 minutes if you have time. If you are in a hurry, you can skip the soaking, but the texture is usually better when the rice has had time to absorb a little water before cooking. Drain the rice well before adding it to the pan.

Cook the Onion and Spices

Melt the ghee in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook gently until soft and translucent.

Add the turmeric, cinnamon stick, bay leaves, and green cardamom. Stir for about 45 seconds. Keep the heat controlled and stir often so the spices do not burn. This short cooking time helps the spices release their flavor into the ghee before the stock is added.

Pour in the stock and scrape the base of the pan to lift any flavor from the onion and spices. Add the salt, then check the seasoning. Add the drained rice and stir just enough to spread it evenly through the liquid. Do not keep stirring once the rice starts cooking, as this can break the grains and make the rice sticky.

Bring the rice to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for 20 minutes. Do not open the lid while the rice is cooking. The trapped steam helps the rice cook evenly.

Once cooked, remove the pan from the heat and let the rice rest for 6 to 8 minutes without opening the lid. This resting time helps the grains firm up slightly and makes the rice easier to fluff.

Fluff the rice gently with a fork before serving. Remove the bay leaves, cinnamon stick, and cardamoms.

Recipe Tips From the Chef

• Use basmati rice for this pilau dish and avoid using easy cook rice.

• Wash the rice under cold running water until the water coming from the rice is completely clear.

• Soak the rice in cold water for 20 minutes if you have time.

• Gently sauté the onion and garlic on medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to avoid burning them.

• Use the right amount of rice to water ratio which might differ from the type of rice you are using. This recipe is for basmati rice only. Check the packaging for the right rice-to-water ratio if using different rice.

• Cook the rice on low heat and gently simmer it. Use a pan with a perfectly fitting lid.

• Don’t open the lid or stir the rice while cooking. Let it rest for 6 to 8 minutes before opening the lid.

• Gently fluff the rice using a fork, and remove the bay leaves and cinnamon stick before serving.

Serving Suggestions

This fragrant yellow rice is perfect for serving with most Indian and South Asian dishes, such as Chicken Handi or Creamy Chicken Korma, and with a bowl of cooling Onion Raita.

You can also serve Indian Turmeric Pilau Rice along with many stir fries and stews such as Steak Picado (Bistec Picado), Et Sote (a delicious Turkish beef stir fry dish), Ghormeh Sabzi - Persian Herb Stew, or Bamya (Turkish Okra Stew).

For bread on the side, Pakistani Roghni Naan and Garlic Naan (Indian Flatbread) are both lovely with this rice and a curry.

Variations

For a vegan version, use olive oil or vegetable oil instead of ghee, and use vegetable stock.

For garlic turmeric rice, add 1 or 2 finely chopped garlic cloves with the onion and cook gently until fragrant.

For turmeric rice with peas, stir in frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking, then let the rice rest as usual.

For a little heat, add a finely chopped green chili with the onion.

For extra freshness, stir through chopped cilantro just before serving.

For a richer pilau-style rice, add a few cloves or a small pinch of cumin seeds with the whole spices.

How to Store Leftover Turmeric Rice

Cool leftover rice quickly, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat only once until steaming hot all the way through. Do not reheat rice, cool it again, and reheat it a second time.

You can also freeze turmeric rice for up to 3 months. Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, flatten the bags if you want them to defrost faster, and label them with the date.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or reheat from frozen with a splash of water. Cover while reheating so the steam helps soften the rice.

Recipe FAQ's

Related Recipes

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Did you make this recipe? Please let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below and tag @cookingorgeous on Instagram and hashtag it #cookingorgeous.

I hope you enjoy the process of making this fragrant and colorful Turmeric Rice Recipe – Indian Yellow Rice as much as you enjoy eating it! 🙂