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Delicious Yellow Rice: A Flavorful Twist on Comfort Food Recipe

5 from 146 reviews

This yellow rice recipe offers a vibrant, flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. With fragrant basmati or jasmine rice infused with turmeric, garlic, onion, and paprika, simmered in rich chicken broth, it creates a stunning golden side dish perfect for complementing a variety of meals. Ready in just 25 minutes, it provides a fluffy texture and inviting aroma that elevates weeknight dinners and special occasions alike.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Rice

  • 1 cup Basmati rice or jasmine rice, rinsed and drained
  • 2 tablespoons Butter

For the Cooking Liquid

  • 2 cups Low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cube Chicken bouillon (vegetable bouillon as a vegetarian substitute)

For the Spices

  • 1 teaspoon Turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Sweet paprika (smoked paprika optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Melt the Butter: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat to create a rich base that will infuse the rice with flavor.
  2. Sauté the Rice: Add the rinsed and drained rice to the saucepan, stirring to coat it evenly with the melted butter. Cook for about 2 minutes until the grains become slightly translucent, releasing a fragrant aroma.
  3. Add the Broth and Spices: Pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken bouillon cube along with turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder, sweet paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil to lock in all the flavors.
  4. Simmer and Cover: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the rice cook undisturbed for 15 minutes so it can absorb the liquid and spices fully.
  5. Cook Thoroughly: Do not lift the lid while the rice simmers to retain steam and ensure perfectly cooked, fluffy grains. After 15 minutes, turn off the heat.
  6. Fluff and Serve: Use a fork to gently fluff the rice, separating the grains to achieve an airy texture. Serve immediately as a vibrant, flavorful side dish.

Notes

  • Always rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch for fluffy, non-sticky rice.
  • Use unsalted butter if you want better control over the salt levels.
  • Do not lift the lid while cooking to retain essential steam.
  • For extra flavor, try sautéing diced onions in the butter before adding the rice.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat with a splash of broth for best results.
  • Freeze cooked rice in portioned airtight bags for up to 2 months and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
  • You may customize the recipe by adding vegetables, herbs, or nuts for added texture and flavor.

Keywords: yellow rice, turmeric rice, easy rice recipe, flavorful rice side dish, basmati rice, comfort food side, quick rice recipe