Emirati Yellow Rice

Emirati Yellow Rice is a fragrant and vibrant dish that brings the rich flavors of the Arabian Gulf straight to your table. This recipe combines the delicate aroma of basmati rice with the warm, earthy notes of turmeric, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, infusing every grain with golden color and a delightful depth of flavor. Ghee adds a luxurious touch, while sautéed onions and garlic create a flavorful base. Sweet raisins and crunchy toasted almonds (optional) add texture and a hint of sweetness, making this rice a perfect pairing for hearty Emirati stews or grilled meats. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy-to-make dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or festive feasts. Experience the essence of traditional Emirati cuisine with this stunning side dish that's as beautiful as it is delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 4 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Ghee or clarified butter
• 1 medium (finely chopped) Onion
• 2 cloves (minced) Garlic
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon Ground cardamom
• 1 piece Cinnamon stick
• 3 pieces Cloves
• 1 piece Bay leaf
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 2 tablespoons Raisins
• 2 tablespoons (optional, toasted) Slivered almonds

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak it in water for 20 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium-sized pot, heat ghee over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the turmeric powder, ground cardamom, and the cinnamon stick, cloves, and bay leaf. Stir for 30 seconds to release their aroma.

Step 5

Pour in the 4 cups of water and add the salt. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the drained rice. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 7

Cook on low heat for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice absorbs all the water and is tender.

Step 8

Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 9

Fluff the rice with a fork and gently mix in the raisins and toasted slivered almonds, if using.

Step 10

Serve warm as a side dish or as a base for your favorite Emirati main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1656.5 grams (1656.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1262

Total Fat 59.40g	76%
Saturated Fat 20.40g	102%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 73mg	24%
Sodium 3605mg	157%
Total Carbohydrate 162.70g	59%
Dietary Fiber 16.10g	58%
Total Sugars 28.30g
Protein 30.50g	61%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 362mg	28%
Iron 12mg	65%
Potassium 1217mg	26%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 40.9%

Protein: 9.3%

Carbs: 49.8%