Turmeric Ginger Basmati with Cauliflower (Printable)
Fragrant golden basmati rice with warming spices and sweet roasted cauliflower florets.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
02 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1-inch piece fresh ginger, grated
→ Rice
05 - 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
06 - 3 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
→ Spices & Seasonings
07 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric
08 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
09 - 1 teaspoon ground coriander
10 - 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
11 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
12 - 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, divided
→ Oils & Garnishes
13 - 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
14 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
15 - 2 tablespoons roasted cashews or slivered almonds
16 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, toss cauliflower florets with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Spread evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
03 - Roast cauliflower for 25–30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until deeply golden and caramelized.
04 - While cauliflower roasts, rinse basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear.
05 - In a medium saucepan, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
06 - Stir in garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
07 - Add turmeric, cumin, coriander, chili flakes if using, and remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt. Stir for 30 seconds to release flavors.
08 - Add rinsed rice and stir to coat with spices. Pour in water or broth and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
09 - Fluff rice with a fork. Gently fold in roasted cauliflower. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with cilantro, nuts, and lemon wedges.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The turmeric stains everything yellow, including your fingers, but its worth it for that earthy warmth that settles in your chest
- Caramelized cauliflower is basically candy for savory lovers, those crispy edges make everything better
02 -
- Don't skip resting the rice after cooking, those 5 minutes let the moisture redistribute evenly
- If the cauliflower isn't deeply browned, put it back under the broiler for 2 minutes
03 -
- If you only have ground ginger, use half the amount since its more concentrated than fresh
- Toast your nuts in a dry pan for 2 minutes before garnishing for maximum flavor