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Yellow rice recipe Close-up of fluffy yellow turmeric rice garnished with fresh chopped parsley in a white ceramic bowl on a light kitchen surface with soft natural lighting.

Yellow rice recipe

This vibrant and flavorful yellow rice recipe with saffron transforms basic basmati rice into a stunning, aromatic side dish that complements any meal.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Calories: 415
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
  • 1 small onion diced (for flavor base)
  • 3 cloves garlic minced (for added aroma)
  • 1 ½ cups basmati rice rinsed (a fragrant long-grain rice)
  • Pinch saffron threads for vibrant color and flavor
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric for color and spice
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt for seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon baharat* optional, for extra depth
  • 2 cardamom pods* optional, for a sweet-spicy note
  • 1 cinnamon stick for warmth and fragrance
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth for cooking rice
  • ½ cup golden raisins for a touch of sweetness
  • Optional Garnishes:
  • ¼ cup chopped toasted almonds for crunch
  • ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley for freshness

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  2. Add the rinsed basmati rice to the pan. Stir in the saffron, turmeric, kosher salt, baharat, cardamom pods, and cinnamon stick. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer, cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 20 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle the golden raisins on top of the rice, replace the lid, and turn off the heat. Allow the rice to rest for 10 minutes.
  4. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains. Garnish with chopped toasted almonds and fresh parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 415kcalCarbohydrates: 77gProtein: 8gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.003gSodium: 303mgPotassium: 378mgFiber: 4gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 319IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 82mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish brings an exotic touch to any meal. The optional baharat and cardamom add rich depth to the flavor, but it's also delicious without them.

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