What is turmeric rice pilaf?
Turmeric rice pilaf is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish, infused with earthy turmeric and mixed with toasted almonds for a nutty crunch. This version uses long-grain rice, like Basmati, which results in distinct, separate grains. It’s perfect as a main dish or as a side to complement various meals.
What kind of rice works best for this recipe?
Long-grain rice, like Basmati, works best for this recipe. It contains less starch, which means the grains remain more distinct and less sticky compared to short-grain varieties. This helps create the light and fluffy texture typical of a great pilaf.
Can I cook rice in the microwave?
Yes, you can cook rice in the microwave! Using an Anyday dish makes the process easy and efficient. You can also cook various types of rice like fluffy white rice or hearty brown rice with perfect results in the microwave.
Why do I need to rinse the rice? How many times should I rinse it?
Rinsing rice is essential to remove excess starch, which can cause the grains to become sticky and clump together during cooking. Thoroughly rinsing the rice helps it cook up light and fluffy, with each grain staying perfectly separate. Use the Anyday Strainer to make the process quick and easy. Using an Anyday Strainer, rinse and drain the rice repeatedly until the water runs clear—this usually takes about 3 to 4 rinses. Properly rinsing the rice also improves its texture and overall quality in the finished dish.
Can I make this recipe nut-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe nut-free! Simply omit the almonds, or substitute them with seeds such as sunflower or pumpkin seeds for added texture. The dish will still be flavorful and delicious without the nuts.
How long can I store leftover turmeric rice pilaf, and what’s the best way to reheat it?
You can store leftover turmeric rice pilaf in an Anyday dish with the lid on in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the pilaf in the dish and microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Add a few drops of water before reheating to help retain moisture and prevent the rice from drying out.
Can I freeze turmeric rice pilaf?
Yes, you can freeze turmeric rice pilaf! Transfer the cooled rice into the silicone 1/2 cup Anytime Freezer Trays for easy portioning and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat from frozen, pop the frozen rice into an Anyday dish, sprinkle with a few drops of water, and microwave at full power for 1-2 minutes per portion or until heated through, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
