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Turmeric Rice (Just 2 Minutes of Prep)
Beautiful color aside, this turmeric rice will be a standout on your table. This recipe is really simple to make and has such depth of flavor with top-notch health properties.
Turmeric is the golden goose of health and wellness.
With potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and weight-loss properties, this all-natural plant-turned-spice gets lots of points in our book.
Since it comes readily available in spice form, it is so easy to add to both savory and sweet recipes (see our turmeric granola or golden milk recipes for proof).
If you find yourself looking to sneak more antioxidants into your diet or to switch up your typical rice routine, give this warm-spiced option a try.
About the Ingredients in Turmeric Rice
Let’s run down why we use all of the ingredients in our turmeric rice recipe:
Avocado Oil
Our choice for high heat cooking with neutral flavor. We love Primal Kitchen’s avocado oil (see our review here).

Garlic
This recipe is all about depth of flavor.
We begin building that right at the start of this recipe with everyone’s favorite kitchen smell: garlic.
You can use fresh, pre-minced, or frozen.
Turmeric
Our golden girl!
Turmeric has a very unique earthy flavor and deep gold color – you won’t miss it on the shelves.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon and turmeric are both warm and earthy spices and pair really well together.
Side bonus, cinnamon has been reported to help boost metabolism and reduce inflammation.

Rice
We used basmati for our recipe.
We think a long grain like basmati or jasmine is easier to work with in this recipe.
Be sure to follow the liquid to rice ratio on whichever variety you choose.
Liquid
You can use the broth of your choice (we used vegetable broth to keep this vegan/vegetarian friendly) or plain old water.
Broth will give your flavor a little oomph but also may alter the golden color if you go with too dark of a broth.

Why Turmeric Rice?
Rice is a great side dish alongside many meal options but it can get boring if you keep preparing it the same way.
With just two spices and a few other ingredients you likely have laying around, you can transform this staple into something super tasty and overflowing with health benefits.
Healthy eating is all about making small changes where and when you can. Using spices with natural benefits is a great way to start as it requires minimal effort and keeps you eating foods you’re already familiar with.
We hope you enjoy it!

Turmeric Rice Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup rice (we used Basmati)
- 2 cups liquid (broth of choice or water)
- Optional: garnish with cilantro
Instructions
- Rinse rice in water until water runs clear
- Heat a saucepan to medium heat
- Add oil and let warm
- Add garlic and cook until aromatic
- Add turmeric, cinnamon, and salt and cook for 1-2 minutes
- Add rice and toast for 2 minutes
- Add liquid and bring to a boil
- Once boiled, reduce to a simmer and cover. Cook for 25-30 minutes or until liquid has absorbed.