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Spiced Coconut Turmeric Rice

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This aromatic recipe combines the richness of basmati rice with the warmth of turmeric, cumin, and ginger, all simmered in creamy coconut milk for a luscious texture. Topped with golden raisins, crunchy roasted cashews, hearty chickpeas, and fresh parsley, this dish offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors. It's a wholesome and satisfying meal that's as nourishing as it is delicious. 
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Coconut Turmeric Rice

If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for recipes that shake up the dinner routine without adding hours to your kitchen time. That’s exactly where this Spiced Coconut Turmeric Rice comes into play. It’s a dish that packs a punch of flavor, brings a heap of nutrition, and, best of all, it’s ready before you can ask, “What’s for dinner?”

This isn’t just another rice recipe. It’s a vibrant bowl full of the good stuff – think creamy coconut milk, warm turmeric, and a mix of spices that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing. And because we’re all about that balanced meal life, I’ve tossed in roasted cashews and chickpeas for crunch and protein, with a sprinkle of golden raisins for a hint of sweetness. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good about what you’re eating, without compromising on taste or texture.

Turmeric and coconut milk are like the power couple of the food world, bringing anti-inflammatory benefits and a creamy base to the table. When you mix in the aromatic basmati rice and the rest of the spices, you get something special – a dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. 

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Coconut Turmeric Rice

  • basmati rice: I went with basmati rice because it absorbs flavor well, is most often used in traditional Indian dishes and is fluffy once cooked. 
  • coconut milk: full-fat coconut milk adds a luxurious creaminess and subtle sweetness that beautifully complements the earthy spices. Its richness turns the rice into a decadent yet comforting meal.
  • turmeric: This golden spice is not only prized for its vibrant color but also for its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric imparts a warm, slightly bitter flavor that is quintessential to the dish.
  • cumin: Adds a smoky, aromatic depth that pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the coconut milk. 
  • ginger: Offers a slightly spicy and warm note, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the dish. Ginger’s zesty kick complements the creaminess of the coconut milk and the richness of the spices.
  • garlic: Provide a convenient way to add a concentrated burst of savory flavor. Garlic’s pungency and warmth elevate the dish, ensuring each bite is full of flavor.
  • cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon introduces a sweet, woody aroma that subtly infuses the rice, adding an unexpected layer of spice that works surprisingly well with the other flavors.
  • coconut butter: Used to sauté the spices, coconut butter enriches the dish with its sweetness and enhances the coconut theme.
  • Himalayan sea salt: This mineral-rich salt enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients, bringing out the sweetness of the coconut milk and the savory notes of the spices.
  • black pepper: Add just the right amount of heat to this dish; use based on your personal preference.
  • golden raisins: Introduce a touch of sweetness and texture. Their juicy bursts contrast beautifully with the savory elements. 
  • roasted cashews: Provide a much desired crunch to this recipe.
  • roasted chickpeas: Roasting chickpeas really takes their lovability to another level. Doing this offers the dish a satisfying crunch and a boost of protein, turning the rice into a more rounded, nutritious meal. 
  • parsley: Fresh parsley brings a burst of color and a freshness to any dish and I love adding it for just a touch of earthy, herbiness.
  • lime zest: The zest of lime adds a final touch of citrusy brightness! It ties all the components together, enhancing the rice’s aromatic qualities.

Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric, the golden spice, isn’t just about its ability to add vibrant color and flavor; it’s also for its numerous health benefits! From reducing inflammation to supporting heart health and potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases, turmeric makes this dish not just delicious but also incredibly healthful. You can incorporate turmeric into your diet in many ways with natural pills, teas or coconut turmeric rice recipes! 

How to Make Coconut Turmeric Rice

To whip up this delightful Spiced Coconut Turmeric Rice, start by warming up a saucepan over medium heat. Drop in the coconut butter and wait for it to melt and then toss in those aromatic spices. Give them about 30 seconds of sautéing until their scents start to fill your kitchen. Add the basmati rice, and coconut milk along with water, and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Turn up the heat to high to get to a boil. Once boiling, bring it down to a simmer, put a lid on and let it all cook together for 15 minutes.

Check on your rice after about 15 minutes and if ready, grab a fork and fluff it up. Add in your goodies like golden raisins, roasted cashews, and chickpeas! These additions aren’t just for texture; they bring a burst of flavors and a bit of crunch. Finely chopped parsley and a sprinkle of lime zest are the final touches, adding a fresh, herby note to the dish. Give it all a good stir to ensure the ingredients are lovingly combined. Now you’re ready to serve and enjoy!

Can Brown Rice Be Used?

Absolutely! For those looking for a whole-grain alternative, brown rice can be substituted. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, as brown rice typically takes longer to cook. White rice or jasmine rice would also be a suitable substitute for the basmati. 

What to Serve with Coconut Turmeric Rice

This dish is a meal in itself, thanks to the inclusion of rice, chickpeas and cashews, making it a complete protein. However, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides such as garden salads or roasted vegetables. If you wanted to make this rice dish a side dish when feeding a larger group of people I would suggest serving with additional proteins or a simple soup. To increase the protein, you could top it with grilled or baked tofu!

So, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking to spice up your meal prep, this Coconut Turmeric Rice is here to deliver. It’s all about bringing a burst of flavor to your plate, with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the perfect answer to those nights when you’re tempted to ask, “Can we just have something simple but amazing?” Trust me, this recipe has got you covered!

Other Delicious Rice Recipes To Try

If you love this Coconut Turmeric Rice, check out these recipes!

Jackie Akerberg

Author of the Clean Vegan Cookbook, Food Blogger and Recipe Developer from Des Moines, Iowa. 

Jackfruitful Kitchen has proudly been featured in Forks Over Knives, Vegan Bowls, Vegan Food and Living, and DSM Magazine.

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Jackie Akerberg

Spiced Coconut Turmeric Rice

4.34 from 12 votes
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Introducing a vibrant and flavorful dish: Coconut Turmeric Rice with Roasted Cashews and Chickpeas. This aromatic recipe combines the richness of basmati rice with the warmth of turmeric, cumin, and ginger, all simmered in creamy coconut milk for a luscious texture. Topped with golden raisins, crunchy roasted cashews, hearty chickpeas, and fresh parsley, this dish offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors. It's a wholesome and satisfying meal that's as nourishing as it is delicious. Let's dive in and explore the vibrant flavors of this coconut-infused culinary delight! The combination of the beans and rice also make this dish a complete protein!
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Calories: 594

Equipment

  • stove

Ingredients
  

  • 1¼ cup basmati rice
  • 1 tbsp coconut butter
  • ½ tsp ground turmeric
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp ground ginger
  • ½ tsp garlic granules
  • pinch ground cinnamon
  • 14 oz canned full fat coconut milk
  • 1 cup water
  • ½ tsp Himalayan sea salt
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper
  • ⅓ cup golden raisins
  • ½ cup roasted cashews, chopped
  • ½ cup roasted chickpeas
  • ¼ cup parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 lime, zested

Method
 

  1. Heat a saucepan over medium heat. Add the coconut butter. Once melted, add in the spices and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add in the rice, coconut milk, water, salt and pepper and increase to high heat to bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15 minutes.
  2. Remove the lid, fluff the rice with a fork, and add in the raisins, cashews, chickpeas, parsley, and lime zest. Stir to combine and sprinkle with additional parsley if desired.

Nutrition

Serving 1servingCalories 594kcalCarbohydrates 71gProtein 11gFat 32gSaturated Fat 21gPolyunsaturated Fat 2gMonounsaturated Fat 6gSodium 376mgPotassium 564mgFiber 4gSugar 9gVitamin A 334IUVitamin C 11mgCalcium 75mgIron 6mg

*Macros are provided as an estimate for convenience. Your final numbers will vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and how you portion the recipe.

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6 Responses

  3. 3 stars
    This took much longer than 30 minutes to cook the rice. Rice was more soggy than fluffy since it had to cook so long to dry up the liquid.

    Reply

    1. Hi Brenda! Thank you for leaving a review. I haven’t received this feedback before, and personally, we make this recipe exactly as written at least once per week! Did you by chance change up the type of rice? Basmati rice won’t take longer than 15 minutes to cook, and the ratio of liquid to grain here should absorb just perfectly in that time! I hope you give it another chance 🙂

      Reply
4.34 from 12 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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