Mandarin Turmeric Rice

Infuse your table with vibrant flavors and stunning color with this Mandarin Turmeric Rice, a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and earthy notes. This dish combines fragrant basmati rice with the bright zest and juice of mandarin oranges, earthy turmeric, and a warm hint of cinnamon to create a harmony of flavors in every bite. Delightfully accented with fresh cilantro, juicy mandarin segments, and the crunch of optional slivered almonds, this recipe is as nourishing as it is visually striking. Whether served as a zesty side dish or a light main course, Mandarin Turmeric Rice is easy to prepare and packed with antioxidants, making it a wholesome and delicious addition to your dinner rotation. With its golden hue and refreshing citrus kick, it’s a gluten-free, vegetarian delight that’s sure to impress.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup mandarin orange juice
• 1 teaspoon mandarin orange zest
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 0.25 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 cup mandarin orange segments
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons slivered almonds (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, then drain thoroughly.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the turmeric powder and cinnamon to the saucepan, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the rice to the pan and stir to coat the grains with the spiced oil.

Step 5

Add the water, mandarin orange juice, and salt to the saucepan. Stir gently and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 6

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let the rice simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 7

While the rice is cooking, chop the fresh cilantro and prepare the mandarin orange segments. Set aside.

Step 8

When the rice is done, remove it from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow it to steam.

Step 9

Gently fluff the rice with a fork and fold in the mandarin orange zest, mandarin segments, and fresh cilantro.

Step 10

If desired, sprinkle with slivered almonds for added texture and flavor.

Step 11

Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy as a light, refreshing main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1081.8 grams (1081.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	637

Total Fat 22.80g	29%
Saturated Fat 3.00g	15%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.30g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1206mg	52%
Total Carbohydrate 99.00g	36%
Dietary Fiber 6.20g	22%
Total Sugars 35.00g
Protein 13.20g	26%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 176mg	14%
Iron 6mg	32%
Potassium 981mg	21%

*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: 31.4%

Protein: 8.1%

Carbs: 60.6%