Savoury Rice

Spice up your meals with this Savoury Rice, a fragrant Indian-style yellow rice dish loaded with mixed vegetables and aromatic spices. Golden in color and bursting with flavor, this versatile rice works beautifully as a side dish for curries, grilled meats, or as a wholesome vegetarian main course.

Savoury rice, also known as yellow rice, has variations across the globe, from Portuguese Arroz Amarillo to Sri Lankan Kaha Bath. This recipe is easy to follow, packed with spices, and perfect for weeknight dinners or festive occasions.

What is Savoury Rice?

Savoury rice, often called yellow rice, is a vibrant dish that gets its golden color from turmeric. This versatile dish can include vegetables, nuts, or even raisins, depending on your taste.

Many cultures have their own version: from Portuguese Arroz Amarillo to Sri Lankan Kaha Bath. What makes Indian-style Savoury Rice special is the aromatic blend of spices like garam masala, cinnamon, chili powder, and ginger. These ingredients not only enhance flavor, but since they include turmeric, fresh vegetables, and aromatic spices, they also contribute important health benefits such as anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, making this dish both tasty and nutritious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make this delicious Indian-style Savoury Rice:

• Rice: Use basmati for a light, fluffy texture. Alternatively, you can use long-grain or jasmine rice for a slightly different texture.
• Water: Essential for cooking the rice. Soaking the rice in cold water for 20 minutes helps remove starch.
• Tomato & Onion: Adds depth and sweetness.
• Green Chillies: Adjust quantity depending on how spicy you like it.
• Mixed Vegetables: I used carrots, green beans, red bell peppers, and potatoes. If fresh vegetables are not available, you can use frozen vegetables instead, which will work just as well.
• Turmeric Powder: Key for that golden yellow color.
• Chilli Powder: Use Kashmiri chili powder for mild heat and vibrant color.
• Garam Masala: This is a blend of roasted spices, for example, cloves, nutmeg, cumin, cinnamon, cardamom, fennel, and star anise.
• Ginger Powder & Cinnamon Stick: Adds fragrance and warmth.
• Bay Leaves: Gives a subtle herbal aroma.
• Salt: Season to taste.

Tip: You can customize this recipe with your favorite vegetables or nuts to make it even more nutritious.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Rice

Rinse and soak the rice for 20 minutes. Next, cook the rice with salt and turmeric. Once done, drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Aromatics

Heat oil in a pot. After heating the oil, sauté onion, garlic, green chillies, cinnamon stick, chilli powder, garam masala, and bay leaves until the onion turns translucent. This step ensures the spices release their full aroma.

3. Cook the Vegetables

Wash and chop the vegetables. Add them to the pot with a little water and salt. Then, cook the vegetables for about 20 minutes until soft.

4. Combine Rice and Vegetables

Gently mix the cooked rice with the vegetable-spice mixture. Steam together for 10 minutes to allow flavors to blend.

5. Garnish and Serve

Finally, sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving. Enjoy as a side dish or a main vegetarian meal.

Why You’ll Love This Savoury Rice

• Flavorful & Aromatic: The Indian spices create a fragrant, savory experience.
• Versatile: Pairs well with curries, grilled meats, or can be served alone.
• Vegetable-Packed: Boosts nutrition with colorful vegetables.
• Easy to Customize: Swap vegetables, adjust spice levels, or add nuts for extra crunch.

FAQ

Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables work well. Just adjust cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.

Which spices are essential for authentic flavor?
In particular, turmeric, garam masala, cinnamon, and chili powder are essential for achieving the traditional taste.

Can I use a different type of rice?
Basmati rice works best; however, jasmine or long-grain rice can also give excellent results.