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Bowl of fluffy seasoned yellow rice with turmeric, carrots, and herbs
Jana Rae

Seasoned Yellow Rice

Easy seasoned yellow rice made with turmeric, onions, garlic, and broth. A flavorful side dish that’s budget-friendly and perfect for weeknights, holidays, or pairing with chicken and veggies.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian
Calories: 210

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups long-grain rice basmati or jasmine
  • 3 ½ cups chicken broth or vegetable broth for vegetarian
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • ½ cup onion finely chopped
  • ½ cup carrots finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon paprika optional
  • ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Method
 

  1. Rinse rice – Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
  2. Sauté aromatics – In a medium pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and carrots; cook until softened, 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic.
  3. Add spices – Stir in turmeric, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toast for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Cook rice – Add rice and stir to coat with spices. Pour in broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and cook 18–20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
  5. Fluff & serve – Remove from heat, let sit covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro.

Notes

  • Broth choice: Chicken broth gives depth, but veggie broth makes it vegetarian.
  • Extra flavor: Add a bay leaf or squeeze of lime juice before serving.
  • Make it a meal: Stir in chickpeas, peas, or shredded chicken for a one-pot dinner.
  • Storage: Keeps 4–5 days in the fridge, freezes well for up to 2 months.