Turmeric Rice Instant Pot Recipe

🍽 Indian Turmeric Rice

📌 Introduction

Craving a vibrant, flavorful side dish that’s both comforting and easy to prepare? This Indian Turmeric Rice is exactly what your dinner plate needs. With fragrant basmati rice, earthy turmeric, and warm spices, Indian Turmeric Rice adds the perfect pop of color and flavor to any meal. It’s aromatic, golden, and packed with subtle, soothing spice notes that elevate simple ingredients into something truly special.

This Indian Turmeric Rice is your go-to recipe for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or rounding out your favorite curry or grilled meat. It’s naturally gluten-free, incredibly versatile, and ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving it alongside tikka masala or stuffing it into burritos, this golden rice never disappoints.

Not only is Indian Turmeric Rice flavorful, but it’s also rich in anti-inflammatory properties thanks to turmeric. It’s a simple, nourishing dish that checks all the boxes: comforting, healthy, and irresistibly delicious.

turmeric rice


💚 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • ✔ Quick & easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.

  • ✔ One pot – Fewer dishes, less fuss.

  • ✔ Anti-inflammatory – Packed with turmeric’s natural health benefits.

  • ✔ Great for meal prep – Keeps well in the fridge or freezer.

  • ✔ Pairs with everything – Curries, kabobs, grilled meats, and more.


🧾 Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make this flavorful Indian Turmeric Rice:

  • 1 cup basmati rice

  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or ghee

  • ½ onion, finely chopped

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder

  • ½ teaspoon cumin seeds (or ground cumin)

  • ¼ teaspoon ground coriander

  • Salt to taste

  • Optional: 1 bay leaf, cinnamon stick, or cardamom pod

🔹 Optional Garnishes

  • Chopped cilantro

  • Toasted cashews or almonds

  • A squeeze of lemon juice

🔹 Substitutions

  • Basmati rice → Jasmine rice or long-grain white rice

  • Olive oil → Coconut oil or butter

  • Garlic → Shallots or garlic paste

🔹 Pro Tips

  • “Rinse your rice thoroughly until water runs clear—this keeps it fluffy.”

  • “Let the rice steam covered off heat for 5 minutes for the perfect texture.”


👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to bring your Indian Turmeric Rice to life:

🔪 Prep Steps

  1. Rinse basmati rice 2–3 times until the water runs clear.

  2. Finely chop onion and mince garlic.

🔥 Cooking Steps

  1. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil or ghee over medium heat.

  2. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds.

  3. Stir in chopped onion and sauté until translucent (about 3–4 minutes).

  4. Add garlic and turmeric powder, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.

  5. Add rinsed rice, salt, and other spices. Stir to coat evenly.

  6. Pour in water or broth and bring to a boil.

  7. Reduce heat, cover with lid, and simmer for 15–18 minutes.

  8. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.

  9. Fluff with a fork and garnish as desired.

🧠 Chef’s Tip

“Add a pinch of black pepper to boost turmeric absorption and flavor.”

turmeric rice


🧂 Recipe Notes & Tips

🧊 Storage & Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftover Indian Turmeric Rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

  • Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying.

🌶 Flavor Variations

  • Add peas, diced carrots, or raisins for extra texture and sweetness.

  • Mix in sautéed spinach or kale for a leafy green boost.

  • Top with toasted coconut flakes for a tropical twist.


🍽 Nutrition Facts

Calories Protein Carbs Fat
210 4g 38g 5g

⚠ Dietary Tags

Gluten-Free | Vegan | Dairy-Free | Family-Friendly


❓ FAQs

❓ Can I use brown rice for Indian Turmeric Rice?
✅ Yes, but increase the cooking time and water ratio.

❓ Can I make this in a rice cooker?
✅ Absolutely. Follow the sautéing steps first, then transfer everything to your rice cooker.

❓ Is Indian Turmeric Rice spicy?
❌ No. It’s more aromatic than spicy, but you can add chili for heat.

❓ Can I freeze Indian Turmeric Rice?
✅ Yes—cool it completely and store in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.

❓ What pairs well with Indian Turmeric Rice?
✅ Curries, grilled chicken, lentil dal, or even grilled vegetables.

❓ Do I have to soak the rice?
❌ Not required, but rinsing helps keep it fluffy and separated.

 

Resources :

  • MidgetMomma provides a quick and easy recipe for Instant Pot Turmeric Rice. This recipe is perfect for serving with any of your favorite Indian dishes. With only a few ingredients and the instant pot, this Turmeric Rice is done quickly and easily.
  • Spice Up The Curry offers an Indian style yellow rice recipe that gets ready in under 30 minutes. This Instant Pot Turmeric Rice requires only 10 ingredients and is made by adding aromatic whole spices, herbs, onion, garlic, broth, etc.
  • Little Sunny Kitchen provides an easy Turmeric Rice Recipe that requires oil, bay leaves, and salt. This recipe includes a complete list of ingredients and amounts that can be found in the recipe card below. Start by washing the rice really well until the water runs clear, then soak it for 15 minutes.
  • The Belly Rules The Mind offers a super easy recipe for Instant Pot Yellow Turmeric Rice that is full of flavors and makes an elegant side dish for any occasion. Infused with the goodness of Turmeric and Garlic, this rice is ready in 6 minutes and each grain is separate.
  • Babaganosh provides a recipe for Garlic Turmeric Rice that can be made on the stove-top. Boil 3.5-4 cups of water (depending on how dry or moist you want your rice). Once the water is boiling, carefully stir in the rest of the ingredients. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the water is absorbed.

These external links provide you with a range of recipes for Instant Pot Turmeric Rice that you can try at home. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy recipe or a more elaborate one, these resources have got you covered


📣 Conclusion

This Indian Turmeric Rice is the ultimate side dish that brings color, comfort, and flavor to your dinner table. Whether you’re prepping for the week or pairing it with your favorite curry, this recipe is a golden staple you’ll return to again and again.

Print

Turmeric Rice Instant Pot Recipe

Turmeric Rice Instant Pot

  • Author: Anna
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Indian
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup basmati rice
  • 2 cups water or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or ghee
  • ½ onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin seeds (or ground cumin)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional: 1 bay leaf, cinnamon stick, or cardamom pod

Instructions

  1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode and heat the ghee or oil.
  2. Add cumin seeds and sauté until they sizzle and release their aroma.
  3. Add turmeric powder and sauté for another 30 seconds.
  4. Add the rinsed basmati rice and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the rice is well-coated with the turmeric and ghee.
  5. Pour in water and add salt. Stir well.
  6. Cancel sauté mode, close the Instant Pot lid, and set it to manual high pressure for 5 minutes.
  7. Once the cooking is complete, allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
  8. Fluff the rice with a fork and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, you can include diced vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers. Adjust salt and spices according to your taste preferences.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 400mg
  • Fat: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Turmeric Rice Instant Pot

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