Geelrys South African Yellow Rice with Raisins

Brighten your table with the vibrant and aromatic flavors of Geelrys, a traditional South African yellow rice recipe with raisins that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. This fragrant dish features fluffy basmati rice infused with turmeric, cinnamon, and optional cardamom, complemented by sweet bursts of plump raisins. Simmered in butter and lightly sweetened with sugar, it strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet. Ready in just 30 minutes, Geelrys makes an ideal side dish for hearty curries, roast meats, or even as a standalone delight. With its golden hue and warm spices, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to become a centerpiece at your next meal.

Nutriscore Rating: 62/100

Prep Time:5 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 2 cups Water
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1 stick Cinnamon stick
• 3 pods Cardamom pods (optional)
• 3 whole Cloves
• 0.5 cup Raisins
• 1 tablespoon Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Salt

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, add the water, butter, turmeric powder, cinnamon stick, cardamom pods (if using), and cloves. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Once the water is boiling, stir in the rinsed rice, raisins, sugar, and salt. Mix well to combine.

Step 4

Lower the heat to a simmer, cover the saucepan with a lid, and cook for about 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is fully absorbed.

Step 5

Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 6

Fluff the rice gently with a fork, removing the cinnamon stick, cloves, and cardamom pods before serving.

Step 7

Serve warm as a side dish to curry, roasted meats, or as a delightful accompaniment to your meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(819.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	776.1

Total Fat 25.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 13.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.7g
Cholesterol 65.8mg	0%
Sodium 2562.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 135.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.8g	0%
Total Sugars 65.2g
Protein 10.7g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 178.9mg	0%
Iron 6.7mg	0%
Potassium 822.1mg	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: 27.8%

Protein: 5.3%

Carbs: 66.9%