Fragrant Turmeric Cumin Rice

This simple delicious rice comes from a Halal Cart-Style Chicken and Rice recipe on Serious Eats. NYC is another one of those places on my must-visit list, but until I make it there, I can't comment on how close this recipe is to those NYC halal carts. What I can definitively say though is that this rice is fantastic and would be a great side to just about anything. It's flavorful, buttery, and perfectly spiced. It's also very easy and for someone like me who has had trouble cooking rice perfectly on the stovetop, this recipe has worked out time and time again. The rice comes out fluffy and tender, but not mushy. Just be sure to use a heavy bottomed saucepan or pot.

You only need turmeric and cumin here, but if you want to, you could also add in cardamon seeds, a cinnamon stick, a few bay leaves, a few cloves, or a pinch of saffron if you'd like. Toast any whole spices in your pot first for about a minute before adding in your ground spices.

 

Turmeric Cumin Rice

Recipe from Serious Eats

 

2 tbsp. unsalted butter

1/2 tsp ground turmeric

1/4 tsp ground cumin

1 1/2 cups long grain or basmati rice

2 1/2 cups chicken broth

large pinch of salt and pepper

cinnamon stick, cardamon seeds, saffron, cloves, bay leaves (optional)

 

In a heavy bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add any whole spices, if using, and stir to toast for about a minute or until you can start to smell it. Add the turmeric and cumin and cook for about another minute.

 

Add the rice, stir to coat the rice in the spices. Cook for four minutes until lightly toasted. Add the chicken broth, then the salt and pepper. Give it a light stir to mix everything. Turn the heat to high and bring the broth to a boil. When it boils, cover and reduce the heat to simmer. Cook for 15 minutes without peeking, then turn the heat off and let the rice sit for another 15 minutes to absorb any remaining water.

 

When done, fluff the rice with a fork and serve warm. Rice can be reheated and will keep in the fridge for a few days.