Cape Malay Yellow Rice with Raisins
A fragrant and subtly sweet Cape Malay yellow rice, infused with turmeric and cinnamon, studded with plump raisins. It's a classic accompaniment to dishes like bobotie.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Basmati rice
- 1 teaspoon Ground turmeric
- 1 Cinnamon stick
- 60g (approx. 1/2 cup) Raisins
- 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar
- 30g (2 tablespoons) Unsalted butter
- 2.5 cups Water(Adjust slightly based on rice type and desired consistency.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt(Or to taste.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan or pot over medium heat. Add the rinsed and drained Basmati rice and stir for 2-3 minutes until the grains are lightly coated in butter and smell slightly nutty. Be careful not to brown the rice.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 2
Pour in the water, add the ground turmeric, cinnamon stick, salt, and sugar. Stir well to combine and ensure the turmeric is evenly distributed, giving the liquid a vibrant yellow hue.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 3
Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to the lowest setting. Cover the pot tightly with a lid. Let the rice simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. Avoid lifting the lid during this time to trap the steam.
⏱️ 20-25 minutes - 4
Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Let it stand, covered, for another 5 minutes. Then, remove the cinnamon stick. Gently fold in the raisins using a fork. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and ensure the raisins are evenly distributed. Serve hot, ideally as a side dish to bobotie or other savory dishes.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Rinsing the rice is crucial for removing excess starch, which prevents the grains from clumping together.
- ✓The vibrant yellow color comes from the turmeric, a key spice in Cape Malay cuisine.
- ✓Adjust sugar and salt to your preference to achieve the perfect sweet-savory balance.
- ✓Ensure your pot lid fits snugly to allow the rice to steam properly.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a handful of toasted slivered almonds or flaked almonds along with the raisins for added texture.
- Increase the amount of raisins for a sweeter, more pronounced raisin flavor.