Best Turmeric Rice Recipe: Rice Cooker Style

Best in the sense that it’s not only known as turmeric rice but also as golden rice. Fluffy grains, earthy, peppery, and buttery, with a satisfying crunch from nuts and natural sweetness from raisins. Though some stove-top prep is required, this recipe is mostly cooked in the rice cooker for ease and consistency.

 

Turmeric powder, a powerful antioxidant with numerous health benefits. A staple of Indian cooking and has now found its place in Western kitchens. Basmati rice is also known for its health benefits compared to plain white rice, with light, separate grains and a fragrant aroma.

This Malaysian-style turmeric rice shares similarities with South African Yellow Rice (MUST-TRY FOOD IN SOUTH AFRICA), and Malay Nasi Kunyit, with turmeric as the heart of each recipe, though the cooking styles may differ. For Malay Nasi Kunyit, fresh turmeric is generally used. This vegetarian, vegan-friendly recipe is fully suited for plant-based meals.

 

Quick to prepare and fuss-free, this versatile homemade turmeric rice pairs with almost any dish (FISH CURRY SOUTH AFRICAN STYLE). 

 

Ingredients for Turmeric Rice

2 cups Basmati rice - washed and rinsed

½ tbsp turmeric powder

½ tbsp salted butter

1½ tbsp raisins

2 tbsp pecans - broken

A few cinnamon sticks

3 cups water

Salt to taste

How to Make Rice Cooker Turmeric Rice 

Heat butter and lightly fry the pecans until crisp.

Add raisins, stir briefly.

Remove and set aside. 

In the same butter, sauté the cinnamon sticks, rice and turmeric powder. 

Transfer rice mixture into the rice cooker.

Pour water and add salt. 

Let the rice cooker do the rest.

Once cooked, stir in fried pecans and raisins, while also fluffing the rice.