Coconut Turmeric Rice Roasted Carrots (Printable)

Golden spiced rice in creamy coconut milk paired with sweet roasted carrots

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into ½-inch sticks
02 - 1 small red onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated

→ Rice & Liquids

05 - 1½ cups basmati rice, rinsed
06 - 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk, full fat
07 - 1 cup vegetable broth
08 - 2 tbsp olive oil, divided

→ Spices & Seasonings

09 - 1½ tsp ground turmeric
10 - ½ tsp ground cumin
11 - ¼ tsp black pepper
12 - 1 tsp sea salt
13 - ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

→ Garnishes

14 - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
15 - 2 tbsp toasted coconut flakes (optional)
16 - 1 lime, cut into wedges

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F.
02 - Toss carrot sticks with 1 tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and tender.
03 - Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
04 - Stir in minced garlic and grated ginger; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
05 - Add turmeric, cumin, and chili flakes (if using), stirring for 30 seconds to release flavors.
06 - Add rinsed basmati rice and stir to coat grains with spices and aromatics.
07 - Pour in coconut milk and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid absorbed.
08 - Remove from heat and let rice steam, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
09 - Serve rice topped with roasted carrots. Sprinkle with fresh cilantro and toasted coconut flakes. Arrange lime wedges on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The coconut milk creates the most luxurious, creamy texture without any dairy
  • Roasted carrots become candy-sweet and are the perfect contrast to the spiced rice
  • One pot for the rice and one sheet pan for the carrots make cleanup surprisingly easy
02 -
  • Do not lift the lid while the rice simmers, or you will lose the steam that cooks the grains evenly
  • Letting the rice rest off the heat is crucial for perfect texture and prevents mushy grains
  • The carrots can be roasted a day ahead and reheated, which actually intensifies their sweetness
03 -
  • Use rainbow carrots if you find them at the market for a stunning presentation
  • Toasting the coconut flakes in a dry pan for 2 minutes brings out their natural oils and deepens their flavor

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