Looking for a vibrant, flavorful, and nutritious rice side dish that pairs effortlessly with your favorite mains? This Cilantro Turmeric Rice with Cashews is your answer. Inspired by global flavors and powered by the golden magic of turmeric, this dish is equal parts comfort and spice. It gives off those warm, inviting aromas that scream home-cooked goodness, yet looks and tastes like something you'd find in an upscale dinner spot. Think of it as a love child between a green rice recipe and your favorite rice pilaf recipe—but with way more flair.
The roasted cashews add a buttery crunch that perfectly complements the soft, fragrant rice. A generous handful of fresh cilantro gives it an herbaceous pop, and the turmeric brings that gorgeous yellow hue and a gentle earthy bite. It's the kind of dish you can serve as a side for dinner recipes, stuff into a burrito bowl, or even eat as a standalone meatless main.
Cilantro Turmeric Rice with Cashews
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Indian
Servings 4 Generous Servings
Medium Saucepan with Lid for cooking the rice. A Dutch oven or non-stick pot also works.
Skillet to toast the cashews. Alternatively, use the oven at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
Fine grater to zest the lime and grate the ginger.
Cutting board and sharp knife for chopping herbs and aromatics.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula for stirring.
For the rice
- 1 cup basmati rice you can also use jasmine rice or long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil like canola or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1- inch piece of fresh ginger grated
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- Salt to taste
- 2 cups water or low-sodium vegetable broth
For the mix-ins
- 1/2 cup raw cashews roasted unsalted if you're skipping roasting yourself
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro finely chopped (about 1 cup packed)
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- Optional: 1 chopped green chili for some kick serrano or jalapeño works well
Step 1: Toast the Cashews
In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the raw cashews. Stir frequently until golden and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Set aside to cool. This step elevates the flavor and gives you that irresistible crunch.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle for 30 seconds. Then, add chopped onions and sauté until translucent. Stir in the garlic, ginger, and turmeric. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Rice
Add the rice to the saucepan and stir to coat it in the turmeric and aromatics. Pour in the water or broth, add salt, and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Step 4: Fluff and Finish
Remove the pan from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Then fluff with a fork. Add in the lime zest, juice, and chopped cilantro. Toss well to combine.
Step 5: Add the Crunch
Finally, fold in the toasted cashews. Taste and adjust salt or lime juice if needed. Serve warm.
Perfect Pairings
This dish shines alongside a variety of mains. Here are some delicious pairings:
- Grilled chicken or fish – The turmeric and lime cut through fatty richness beautifully.
- Chickpea curry or dal – For a vegetarian powerhouse of a meal.
- Cilantro lime rice bowl – Use this as the base and top with black beans, avocado, salsa, and grilled veggies.
- Taco night upgrade – A vibrant alternative to chipotle rice in your burritos or as a taco side.
- Baked tofu or tempeh – Drizzle some tamari or peanut sauce for a Southeast Asian spin.
For something lighter, serve this as a standalone warm salad with a dollop of Greek yogurt on top.
FAQs
1. What type of rice works best for this recipe?
Basmati rice is ideal thanks to its fragrant, fluffy nature. However, jasmine rice or any long-grain white rice will do. For a low-carb version, lime cauliflower rice or even cilantro lime cauliflower rice works beautifully.
2. Can I make this with brown rice?
Yes! Just adjust the cooking time and liquid ratio. Brown rice takes longer to cook and needs more water. Use 2.5 cups liquid per 1 cup rice and simmer for 40-45 minutes.
3. How do I make this a full meal?
Add a protein like grilled shrimp, pan-seared tofu, or shredded chicken. This turns it into a bowl-style dinner that feels complete. Try it as a base for something like jollof rice-inspired stir-fry or a twist on risotto recipes using rice instead of arborio.
4. Is this like chipotle cilantro lime rice?
Not quite—it's more robust and earthy, thanks to the turmeric and cashews. But it shares the same herby, lime-brightened profile that you love from cilantro lime rice chipotle's fans rave about. It could easily replace homemade cilantro lime rice as your go-to if you're looking to mix it up.
5. Can I make this on the stove top?
Absolutely. In fact, this recipe is designed to be a cilantro lime rice stove top version. No rice cooker or Instant Pot needed.
6. What if I want it spicier?
Go ahead and add chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne with the aromatics. A little heat balances the turmeric and lime beautifully.
