Spicy Yellow Rice

Brighten up your table with this vibrant and irresistibly flavorful Spicy Yellow Rice recipe! Infused with bold spices like turmeric, cumin, smoked paprika, and red chili flakes, this dish delivers a stunning golden hue and a gentle kick of heat to tantalize your taste buds. Soft, fluffy basmati rice is scented with garlic and onion, while frozen peas add bursts of sweetness and texture. A drizzle of refreshing lemon juice and optional fresh cilantro take this recipe to the next level. Perfect as a standalone dish or a bold side to complement grilled proteins and roasted vegetables, this easy, one-pot creation is a showstopper for any meal. Ready in just 35 minutes, Spicy Yellow Rice combines simplicity with exotic flair—ideal for busy weeknights or impressing dinner guests!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice
• 3.5 cups water
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup frozen peas
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and ensures fluffy rice. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium-sized pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the cumin seeds and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent.

Step 5

Stir in the minced garlic, turmeric, ground coriander, smoked paprika, and red chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute until the spices are aromatic.

Step 6

Add the rinsed rice to the pot, stirring to coat each grain in the spice mixture.

Step 7

Pour in the water and add the salt. Stir to combine. Turn the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 8

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for 18-20 minutes without lifting the lid.

Step 9

After 18-20 minutes, remove the lid and gently fluff the rice with a fork.

Step 10

Add the frozen peas, cover the pot again, and let the rice sit for 5 minutes off the heat. The residual heat will cook the peas perfectly.

Step 11

Drizzle the lemon juice over the rice and sprinkle with chopped cilantro, if using, for added freshness.

Step 12

Serve warm as a side dish or enjoy it as a standalone meal. Pair with your favorite protein or vegetables!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1499.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	896.5

Total Fat 31.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2409.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 132.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 10.7g	0%
Total Sugars 10.3g
Protein 21.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 205.8mg	0%
Iron 12.1mg	0%
Potassium 752.4mg	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: 31.4%

Protein: 9.7%

Carbs: 58.9%