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.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Deep Dish
The Strainer
Introducing: The Strainer! Flexible-yet-sturdy clips attach this clever ‘colander’ onto your Anyday dish, making it a master multitasker. Use this strainer on any size or shape Anyday dish.
The Anyhand Mitts
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
- 1⅓ cups (320ml) vegetable stock, chicken stock, or water
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- parsley or cilantro, chopped
Preparation
- Place the rice in an Anyday dish and rinse thoroughly under cold tap water, swirling the rice around gently until the water becomes cloudy. Using the Anyday Strainer, strain the excess water. Repeat this process until the water runs clear.
- After straining, add the stock, oil, shallots, garlic, stock, turmeric, and salt and stir to combine. Cover with lid (knob lifted).
- Cook in the microwave at Power Level 4tooltip for 22 minutes, or until all liquid has been absorbed.
- 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
- Perfect pairing: Serve alongside grilled chicken, fish, or top with a poached egg for a balanced meal.
- Vegan option: For a complete vegan meal, substitute butter with olive oil and add tofu for extra protein.
- Fruity twist: Stir in golden raisins for a subtle hint of sweetness that complements the spices.
- Crunchy topping: Add a handful of pomegranate seeds, toasted nuts, or crispy onions for an extra layer of texture and a pop of color.
Recipe notes
- Adjust the power level by 1 as needed — increase if it’s taking longer than expected, or decrease if it’s bubbling over.
- Rinsing the rice is important to achieve tender, fluffy rice. Do not skip this step!
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
All You Need to Know About Making Turmeric Rice Pilaf with Almonds in the Microwave
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.
