Sri Lankan Yellow Rice Kaha Bath

Elevate your mealtime with Sri Lankan Yellow Rice, or Kaha Bath, a vibrant and aromatic dish that’s as flavorful as it is visually stunning. This golden-hued rice gets its color and earthy undertones from turmeric, while layers of rich flavor are infused through coconut milk, cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom. Fragrant pandan and bay leaves enhance its exotic appeal, making every bite a sensory delight. Perfectly complemented by caramelized onions and cooked in butter or ghee for luxurious depth, this recipe is a staple in Sri Lankan cuisine, often served alongside curries, sambols, or fried delicacies. Quick to prepare in just 35 minutes, this fragrant yellow rice is a show-stopping centerpiece for your next dinner spread!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 2.5 cups Water
• 1 cup Coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 1.5 teaspoons Salt
• 4 Cardamom pods
• 4 Cloves
• 1 3-inch piece Cinnamon stick
• 1 leaf Pandan leaf (optional)
• 1 Bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons Butter or ghee
• 1 medium Onion (sliced)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a medium-sized pot or rice cooker, heat the butter or ghee over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the sliced onion and sauté until golden and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in the minced garlic, cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon stick, pandan leaf (if using), and bay leaf. Cook for 1–2 minutes until aromatic.

Step 5

Add the rinsed and drained rice to the pot and stir to coat the rice with the spices and butter.

Step 6

Stir in the turmeric powder, ensuring the rice is evenly colored.

Step 7

Pour in the water and coconut milk, and add the salt. Stir to combine.

Step 8

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid.

Step 9

Cook the rice for 15–18 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid opening the lid during cooking.

Step 10

Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 11

Fluff the rice with a fork before serving. Discard the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and bay leaf.

Step 12

Serve warm as part of a Sri Lankan feast, alongside curries, sambols, or fried accompaniments.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(822.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	897.6

Total Fat 26.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 15.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 61.1mg	0%
Sodium 3620.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 151.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.9g	0%
Total Sugars 22.4g
Protein 17.7g	0%

Vitamin D 17.0IU	0%
Calcium 226.8mg	0%
Iron 10.2mg	0%
Potassium 801.4mg	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: 26.3%

Protein: 7.7%

Carbs: 66.0%