Indian Turmeric Yellow Rice is an easy and delicious recipe, where basmati rice is infused with turmeric and aromatic spices. Vegan and Gluten-free.

Recipe Snapshot

  • Prep time: 5 minutes
  • Cook time: 15 minutes
  • Total time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Cuisine: Indian

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon oil ((or butter))
  • 1/2 cup white onions (finely chopped)
  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • salt (to taste)
  • 1 1/4 cups vegetable broth ((or water))
  • 2 tablespoons coriander leaves

Whole Spices

  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 inch cinnamon
  • 2 cloves
  • 2 cardamom
  • 1 star anise (optional)

Method

  1. Rinse the basmati rice 2-3 times until the water runs clear (removes extra starch), and drain the remaining water.

Instant Pot Method

  1. Firstly, Press Saute on Instant Pot. Heat oil (or butter), and add bay leaf, cinnamon stick, cardamom, and cloves. Saute for a few seconds (till aromatic).
  2. Add onions and saute till the onions turn soft.
  3. Next, add rinsed basmati rice, turmeric, and salt. Toast the rice for 30 seconds (till aromatic). This step helps your rice cook up into separate grains and is more flavorful. This step is optional.
  4. Then add vegetable broth (or water) and mix everything well.
  5. Close the Instant Pot with the pressure valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 4 minutes. Once the pot beeps, Do a Natural Pressure Release (NPR).
  6. Lastly, remove the lid away from you, and garnish with fresh cilantro/coriander leaves.
  7. Restaurant Style Perfect Yellow Rice is ready. Serve with raita, lentils, or any curry.

Kiyaan Singh’s Kitchen Note

Keep this recipe as a working base: cook once as written, then adjust spice, texture, and serving style for your own table.