Cashew Golden Rice

Transform your weeknight dinners with this vibrant and aromatic Cashew Golden Rice recipe, a quick and flavorful side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Fluffy basmati rice is infused with warm, earthy spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander, giving it a stunning golden hue and rich depth of flavor. Toasted cashews add a delightful crunch, while sautéed onions, garlic, and a hint of cinnamon create layers of fragrant complexity. Optional raisins provide a touch of sweetness for a balanced bite, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro ties it all together with a burst of freshness. Ready in just 35 minutes, this gluten-free dish pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or your favorite curry. Perfect for meal prep or as a show-stopping addition to your dinner table, Cashew Golden Rice is sure to become a household favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups basmati rice
• 3 cups water
• 0.5 cups unsalted cashews
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter or ghee
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoons salt
• 0.5 teaspoons pepper
• 0.25 cups raisins (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from clumping.

Step 2

In a medium pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt and the rinsed rice. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.

Step 3

While the rice cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of butter or ghee in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 4

Add the cashews to the skillet and toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they're golden and fragrant. Remove the cashews from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5

In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 6

Add turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander, and the cinnamon stick to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the spices and release their aroma.

Step 7

Drain any excess water from the cooked rice if needed, and carefully fold the rice into the skillet with the spices. Mix well to coat the rice evenly.

Step 8

Add the toasted cashews and raisins (if using). Stir gently to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 9

Remove the cinnamon stick. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 10

Transfer the Cashew Golden Rice to a serving dish and garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1278.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1086.9

Total Fat 49.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 62mg	0%
Sodium 2414.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 145.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.6g	0%
Total Sugars 33.9g
Protein 25.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0.8IU	0%
Calcium 209.1mg	0%
Iron 12.9mg	0%
Potassium 1112.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.8%

Protein: 8.9%

Carbs: 51.4%