Turmeric Rice Pilaf with Almonds

Turmeric Rice Pilaf with Almonds

Forget any preconceptions you might have about rice being a background dish. Flavored with earthy turmeric, this fragrant, nutty pilaf has all the potential to be the star of the show. Use long-grain rice, like Basmati, which contains less starch and cooks into more distinct grains than the short-grain variety.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well.

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Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

700w

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Product Size

  • Small Dish
  • Medium Shallow
  • Large Shallow
  • Medium Deep
  • Large Deep

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

26 mins

Free Time

to go for a run

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon shallots, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
  • 1 cup (190g) long grain rice
  • 1 ⅓ cups (320ml) vegetable stock, chicken stock, or water
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • salt, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • parsley or cilantro, chopped

Preparation

  1. Combine the oil, shallots, garlic, and almonds in the Anyday dish. Cover with the lid (knob lifted).
  2. Cook in the microwave for 4 minutes, or until the aromatics and almonds begin to toast.
  3. Add the raw rice, stock, turmeric, and salt.
  4. Cover and cook at Power Level 4

    Certain foods cook best in the microwave at lower power levels. 

    Different microwaves have different settings. See your microwave manual (or look it up online) to learn how to change your microwave’s power level.

    For many microwaves: enter the cook time, press the “Power” (or “Power Level”) button, and select a number between 1-10. Other microwaves may require selecting the Power Level first, and then entering the cook time.

    Microwaves list power levels in different ways. Here’s a guide to help you adjust:

    PL 10 = 100% = High (default)

    PL 9 = 90% = High

    PL 8 = 80% = Med-High

    PL 7 = 70% = Med-High

    PL 6 = 60% = Medium

    PL 5 = 50% = Medium

    PL 4 = 40% = Med-Low

    PL 3 = 30% = Med-Low

    PL 2 = 20% = Low

    PL 1 = 10% = Low

    You will know if the power level has been successfully changed if you hear periodic changes in the microwave’s tone after it begins cooking.

    for 22 minutes, or until all liquid has been absorbed.
  5. Let the rice rest with the lid on for 3 minutes.
  6. Add the butter and mix to combine. Garnish with parsley or cilantro.

Serving suggestions & tips

  • Adjust the power level by 1 as needed — increase if it’s taking longer than expected, or decrease if it’s bubbling over. 
  • Enjoy alongside chicken or fish, or topped with a fried egg. 
  • Add seared tofu and sub olive oil for butter for a complete vegan meal. 
  • Add golden raisins for a hint of fruitiness.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.