Lemon Turmeric Basmati Rice (Printable)
Aromatic lemon-turmeric rice served with smoky charred broccolini for a vibrant plant-based side.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Rice Base
01 - 1 cup basmati rice
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
04 - 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
05 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 - Zest of 1 lemon
07 - 2 tablespoons lemon juice
→ Broccolini
08 - 1 bunch broccolini (approximately 9 ounces)
09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Garnish
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
13 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# How-To Steps:
01 - Place basmati rice in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse under cold running water until the water runs clear, approximately 2-3 minutes. Drain thoroughly.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the drained rice and sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly to coat grains.
03 - Stir in ground turmeric and salt. Pour in water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
04 - Remove from heat. Fluff rice with a fork, then fold in lemon zest and juice. Cover and let steam for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
05 - Meanwhile, preheat grill pan or skillet over high heat. Toss broccolini with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
06 - Place broccolini in hot pan and cook for 3-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred spots appear and stalks are just tender-crisp.
07 - Mound lemon turmeric rice onto plates and arrange charred broccolini on top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve with lemon wedges.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The turmeric gives the rice this gorgeous golden hue that makes any plate look restaurant-worthy
- Charred broccolini adds this incredible smoky depth that balances the bright citrus flavors perfectly
02 -
- Dont skip rinsing the rice or you'll end up with gummy grains instead of fluffy separate ones
- Letting the rice steam with the lemon after cooking is what infuses every grain with that bright citrus flavor
03 -
- Zest your lemon before juicing it, otherwise you'll struggle to get those flavorful oils off the squeezed fruit
- Don't overcrowd the pan when charring the broccolini or it will steam instead of getting those gorgeous crispy edges