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How to Make Turmeric Rice (Nasi Kunyit)

Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time27 minutes
Total Time32 minutes
Course: Rice Recipes
Cuisine: Indonesian
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Manny

Ingredients

  • 300 grams basmati rice soaked in cold water for 20 minutes, drained and dried
  • 3 Tbsp. corn oil
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 tsp. ginger paste very finely minced
  • 1 tsp. garlic paste very finely minced
  • 2 stalks lemongrass smashed
  • 2 tsp. fresh turmeric paste or turmeric powder
  • 2 long red chilies cut in half
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 3 cups water
  • 1 turmeric leaf
  • Salt to taste
  • Fried shallots optional
  • Fresh turmeric leaves optional

    Instructions

    How to cook Turmeric Rice:

    • In a wok or deep frying pan, heat oil over moderate heat and fry the star anise until fragrant.
    • Add ginger and garlic pastes, fry for 2 minutes. Add lemongrass, turmeric, and red chilies and stir fry for another 2 minutes.
    • Stir in coconut milk, water, turmeric leaf, and drained rice. Season with salt and bring to a boil.
    • Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, stirring from time to time, until all the liquid has evaporated and the rice has cooked, about 25 minutes.
    • Fluff the rice and serve hot.