Moroccan · Rice Dishes
Turmeric Rice with Almonds
A simple, golden Fassi side dish, rice cooked with turmeric for colour and a subtle earthy warmth, finished with toasted almonds — an easy, everyday alternative to the more festive saffron rice.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 35 min
- Serves
- 4
- Level
- Easy
Ingredients
- 300 g basmati rice, rinsed
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 40 g butter
- 500 ml water or stock
- 40 g almonds, toasted and chopped
- Salt
Method
- 1
Sauté the rice
Melt the butter in a pot, add the rinsed rice and turmeric, and stir for a minute or two until the grains are evenly coated and golden.
- 2
Add liquid
Pour in the water or stock and salt, bring to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer, cover, and cook 15 minutes.
- 3
Rest
Remove from heat and let the rice rest, covered, 5 minutes without lifting the lid.
- 4
Fluff
Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
- 5
Serve
Scatter with toasted almonds and serve warm alongside a tagine or roast.
Chef's tips
- Toasting the rice briefly in butter with the turmeric before adding liquid deepens both colour and flavour.
- Resist lifting the lid while the rice rests — the trapped steam is what finishes cooking it evenly.
- Toast the almonds just before serving so they stay crunchy against the soft rice.
Frequently asked questions
Is turmeric rice the same as saffron rice?
They give a similarly golden colour, but turmeric is far cheaper and more everyday, while saffron rice is reserved for more special or festive meals and has a more delicate aroma.
Can I add vegetables to this rice?
Yes, peas or diced carrots stirred in with the liquid are a common, simple addition.