Introducing this easy spicy rice that’s the perfect side dish to jazz up any meal.
This spicy rice recipe is a mixture of turmeric, cumin seeds, cinnamon, cardamom pods, and other warming spices. It tastes good with just about anything, but specifically, pairs so well with Mediterranean and middle eastern dishes.
I love pairing this simple turmeric rice with crispy tofu, and tomato salad with a drizzle of yogurt and sumac.
Anywho, unlike most spicy rice recipes, this version requires no extra work. Everything comes together in one pot, there’s zero frying involved and it takes just 30 minutes to make (including cook time).
Ingredients For This Spicy Rice
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this spicy golden rice. And don’t be overwhelmed by the list of spices.
- White rice: Duh!!
- Turmeric
- Whole cardamom pods: I highly recommend using whole cardamom pods as the flavor will be so much more prominent + the pods add a sweet, nutty flavor that you don’t get from ground cardamom.
- Cinnamon: I prefer Ceylon cinnamon as it lends a sweet undernote to the rice.
- Cumin seeds
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Black pepper: This is essential as it’ll ensure you can reap the benefits of the turmeric (black pepper activates turmeric and ensures your body can easily absorb the nutrients from turmeric).
- Kosher salt
- Olive oil
A Few Notes…
- Rinse your rice until the water runs clear. I typically rinse my rice about five times to ensure all the starch is removed. Rinsing away the starch will help you get perfectly cooked grains of rice, instead of mushy gloopy rice.
- Let the rice steam for 10-15 minutes. Once the rice is done, I remove it from the heat and let it sit (with the lid on) for 10-15 minutes. That way, any residual water can be absorbed, making the rice super fluffy.
- Fluff the rice with a fork, not a spoon. The spoon will mash the rice grains, while the fork will ensure the grains stay intact.
What To Serve With This Spicy Rice
Listing a few ways I like to serve this spicy golden rice. Of course, these are just suggestions, serve it with whatever you like; it pairs best with Mediterranean, Indian, or middle eastern dishes.
- Pair it with crispy tofu, tomato salad, and drizzle on yogurt or tahini dressing along with a sprinkle of sumac.
- Serve with Shirazi salad for a simple summer dinner.
- Serve with your favorite lean protein for a simple but yummy meal.
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If you make this recipe, please leave a review and rating below. And don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on either Instagram or TikTok (if you’re not already following me, make sure to for new recipes and wellness tips)!
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Easy Spicy Rice
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Indian
Description
Introducing this easy spicy rice that’s the perfect side dish to jazz up any meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cup white rice
- 6 cardamom pods
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp each garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp Ceylon cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups water
Instructions
- Start by adding the rice into a medium pot. Rinse your rice until the water runs clear; I typically wash it 4-5 times.
- Next, mash the cardamom pods in a mortar and pestle until the pods open and the “seeds” are crushed into a grainy-powder. Add the cardamom pods (skin and seeds) into the pot, along with the rest of the ingredients.
- Heat the pot on high heat and stir to mix. Once the rice is boiling, lower the heat to medium-low and cover the pot partially with a lid. Let the rice continue to cook for 10 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Once the rice is done, remove from the heat and let the rice sit (with the lid on) for an additional 10 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and serve.
Delicious!!
So happy you liked it!!
Love this rice; fragrant, elevated and delicious!!