
Turmeric Rice Pilaf with Almonds
Forget any preconceptions you might have about rice being a background dish. Flavored with earthy turmeric, this fragrant, nutty pilaf has all the potential to be the star of the show. Use long-grain rice, like Basmati, which contains less starch and cooks into more distinct grains than the short-grain variety.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
Prep Time
10 minsCook Time
26 minsFree Time
to go for a run
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon shallots, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
- 1 cup (190g) long grain rice
- 1 â…“ cups (320ml) vegetable stock, chicken stock, or water
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- parsley or cilantro, chopped
Preparation
- Combine the oil, shallots, garlic, and almonds in the Anyday dish. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave for 4 minutes, or until the aromatics and almonds begin to toast.
- Add the raw rice, stock, turmeric, and salt.
- Cover and cook at Power Level 4✕
Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels.Â
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Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.
For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.
Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:
PL 10 = 100% = High (default)
PL 9 = 90% = High
PL 8 = 80% = Med-High
PL 7 = 70% = Med-High
PL 6 = 60% = Medium
PL 5 = 50% = Medium
PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low
PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low
PL 2 = 20% = Low
PL 1 = 10% = Low
You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.
- Let the rice rest with the lid on for 3 minutes.
- Add the butter and mix to combine. Garnish with parsley or cilantro.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Adjust the power level by 1 as needed — increase if it’s taking longer than expected, or decrease if it’s bubbling over.
- Enjoy alongside chicken or fish, or topped with a fried egg.
- Add seared tofu and sub olive oil for butter for a complete vegan meal.
- Add golden raisins for a hint of fruitiness.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.