Golden Basmati Rice

Transform your meal into a vibrant, aromatic feast with Golden Basmati Rice—a simple yet flavorful side dish infused with the earthy notes of turmeric, the warmth of cinnamon, and the nuttiness of cumin seeds. This recipe combines fluffy, perfectly cooked basmati rice with a medley of spices, creating a striking yellow hue that's both visually stunning and bursting with flavor. Minced garlic and a subtle bay leaf aroma deepen the complexity, while optional fresh cilantro adds a pop of freshness. Naturally gluten-free and ready in just 25 minutes, Golden Basmati Rice is an ideal accompaniment to curries, grilled meats, or vegetable dishes, making it the perfect balance of beauty and taste for any occasion.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 2 cups Water
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Cumin seeds
• 1 piece Cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 piece Bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in cold water for 15 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and allow them to sizzle for 30 seconds until aromatic.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 4

Stir in the turmeric powder, cinnamon stick, and bay leaf, cooking for another 30 seconds to release their flavors.

Step 5

Add the drained basmati rice to the pan, stirring gently to coat the rice with the spice mixture.

Step 6

Pour in the water and add the salt. Stir briefly to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 7

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

Step 8

After 15 minutes, remove the pan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 9

Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and discard the cinnamon stick and bay leaf.

Step 10

Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	714.9 grams (714.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	401

Total Fat 15.30g	20%
Saturated Fat 2.50g	13%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2383mg	104%
Total Carbohydrate 57.80g	21%
Dietary Fiber 3.40g	12%
Total Sugars 0.30g
Protein 8.10g	16%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 109mg	8%
Iron 6mg	32%
Potassium 211mg	4%

*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: 34.3%

Protein: 8.1%

Carbs: 57.6%