An easy side dish made with white jasmine rice, white onion, garlic, turmeric powder, salt and pepper. Everything is simmered in chicken broth until the rice absorbs all of the liquid for the perfect consistency.
Add the butter and olive oil to a large pot over medium high heat. Saute the chopped onion and minced garlic for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and onion turns translucent.
Add in the uncooked rice, turmeric, salt and pepper. Mix together and lightly toast the rice for 2-3 minutes.
Add in the chicken broth (or water if using) and bay leaf. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and cook until all liquid is absorbed by the rice. Do not stir during this time (it will create mushy rice).
Gently push the rice to the side to see if all liquid has been absorbed. Once it has, remove the pot from the heat and cover for 10-15 more minutes to steam.
After steaming, remove the lid and fluff the rice with a fork. Serve immediately while still warm.
Recipe Notes:
DON'T STIR - Never stir the rice while it's boiling in the broth. This will activate the starch and result in mushy soggy rice.
RINSE RICE FIRST - Rinse long grain rice before you cook to release excess starch. Just add it to a fine mesh strainer and rinse under cold water. Rinsed rice can be added right to the pot.
LOW HEAT - First, bring the liquid to the beginning of a boil, then let the rice simmer on low heat until all of the liquid is absorbed by the rice.
REFRIGERATE – Rice should be cooled completely to room temperature first. Then add it to an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3-4 days.
FREEZER – Cooked rice can also be frozen! Consider making a double batch of this recipe and freezing half for a future meal. Frozen rice can be thawed overnight in the fridge, or thawed in the microwave.
TO REHEAT – Add the cold rice to a microwave-safe bowl. I like to add a splash of water on top. This will help to freshen up the rice as it reheats. You can heat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. My husband also likes to add leftover rice to a frying pan to make fried rice.