Imagine a side dish so vibrant and aromatic that it instantly elevates every meal from ordinary to extraordinary. This Turmeric Coconut Basmati Rice is not just a recipe—it's a culinary journey that blends the creamy richness of coconut milk with the warm, earthy notes of turmeric, creating a side dish that's both luxurious and incredibly simple to prepare. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary enthusiast, this recipe promises to add a touch of exotic elegance to your dining table in just 20 minutes!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Indian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear, which helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the rinsed basmati rice, coconut milk, water, turmeric powder, and salt. Stir gently to ensure all ingredients are well combined and the turmeric is evenly distributed.
- Place the saucepan over high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to the lowest setting and cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid. Allow the rice to simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until all liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove the pan from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the steam to finish cooking the rice and help create a fluffy texture.
- Uncover the pan and fluff the rice gently with a fork, which will help separate the grains and release any remaining steam.
- Serve hot as a side dish, garnished with fresh chopped herbs like cilantro or green onions if desired.
Tips
- Always rinse your basmati rice thoroughly to remove excess starch, which prevents clumping and ensures each grain remains beautifully separate.
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the richest, most luxurious flavor and creamiest texture.
- Keep the heat low after initial boiling to prevent burning and ensure even, gentle cooking.
- Let the rice rest after cooking to allow steam to distribute evenly, creating perfectly fluffy grains.
- For extra flavor, consider adding whole spices like a cinnamon stick or a few cardamom pods during cooking.
- If you prefer a more intense turmeric color, you can slightly increase the amount of turmeric powder.
- Garnish with toasted coconut flakes or chopped fresh herbs for an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 0mg
