Go Back
–+ servings
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Yellow Rice (Indian Turmeric Pilau Rice)

This super easy and colorful Yellow Rice (Indian Turmeric Pilau Rice) is a fragrant side dish made with rice, onions, turmeric, and spices.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian, Indian
Diet: Gluten Free, Halal, Vegetarian
Servings: 4 people
Calories: 312kcal
Author: Ayla Clulee

Equipment

  • 1 kitchen scale
  • 1 measuring spoons
  • 1 Saucepan
  • 1 Rubber spatula

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups basmati rice or long-grain rice (300 grams/10 oz)
  • 1 tablespoon ghee or butter
  • 1 medium onion (diced)
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 green cardamoms
  • 2 cups vegetable stock or chicken stock
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Wash the rice under running cold water until the water from the rice is clear and soak in cold water for 20 minutes.
  • Melt the ghee in a pan and sauté the onions and garlic on medium heat until translucent. 
  • Add the cardamoms, turmeric, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick and sauté for 45 seconds, keep stirring to avoid burning.
  • Pour in the stock, deglaze the pan, and then add salt and pepper. Check and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
  • Add the rice, stir just enough to mix, and let it gently simmer on low heat for 20 minutes with the lid on.
  • Let it rest for 6 to 8 minutes without opening the lid. Fluff the rice using a fork before serving.

Notes

  • 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 312kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 1057mg | Potassium: 154mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 256IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 1mg