Turmeric Coconut Rice Recipe – Colorful, Dairy and Gluten-free Side Dish

Turmeric coconut rice is delicious, easy to make, and adds a colorful side dish to an otherwise drab plate of food. It is gluten-free, dairy-free, low FODMAP, and has some health benefits.

I created this turmeric coconut rice recipe at the suggestion of my wife. She had seen me enjoy a similar side dish at a restaurant, but couldn’t even try it due to her dietary restrictions.

The rich mustard-yellow color initially attracted her, but for me, it was my palate that won me over.

With the goal of easy to make, delicious, gluten-free, dairy-free, and low FODMAP in mind, I set to work.

The first try was a bit boring, but it didn’t take long to perfect our turmeric coconut rice.

The final result is a colorful, fun, and tasty addition to any meal. We eat a lot of rice at home, and variety is always appreciated.

This dish is a creamy mix of coconut and an almost curry-like flavor. It’s subtle, yet delicious. Most importantly, it is loved by everyone in the family, even those with no dietary restrictions.

What you need to make turmeric coconut rice

• Medium saucepan with lid
• Brown basmati rice
• Canned coconut milk
• Spices: turmeric, mustard powder, and salt
• Water or chicken stock

Healthy benefits of some of the ingredients

Disclaimer: Statements regarding health benefits are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.

• Coconut milk, although high in saturated fats and calories, there are some studies that indicate it may improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels, reduce inflammation, decrease stomach ulcer size, and fight viruses and bacteria. Source: Healthline.
• Turmeric is a good source of curcumin, an antioxidant that may ease inflammation and help reduce arthritis pain. Turmeric may also protect against heart disease, prevent or slow down Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and more. Source: Everyday Health.
• Mustard powder packs a surprising punch and may protect against certain cancers and mineral deficiencies. It’s high in Omega-3 fatty acids so may also benefit people with high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, and much more. Source: Live Strong.

Tips for success

Opening the lid before the rice is finished allows the steam to escape. As a result, the rice will be undercooked and dry, and the dish runny.

Keeping the lid closed until the rice is fully done is the secret to success. The steam created when boiling is what continues to cook the rice.

If cooked properly, the rice will be al dente when finished, adding just a slight firmness when you eat it.

Serving suggestions

While I enjoy flavorful meals, my personal preference is only one item on the plate to have a sauce, so we tend to serve our turmeric coconut rice with simple meals.

Specifically, we love this rice with plain grilled chicken or any white fish as it adds color to an otherwise white plate. While the rice is quite flavorful, it is not spicy. If you are looking for some more ‘zing’, you can add our feijoa chutney.

We also serve it with steak or corned beef, but not with a curry or other highly flavourful mains.

Our turmeric coconut rice recipe

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Will you try turmeric coconut rice?

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