Rice with Turmeric, Garlic and Vegetables

Rice with Turmeric, Garlic and Vegetables is a great side dish that goes well with a variety of main  dishes.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
½ onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons freshly grated turmeric (wear gloves, as turmeric turns yellow)
1 cup uncooked JASMINE or BASMATI white rice
½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
Freshly ground black pepper
2 cups water or stock
1 cup frozen pea and carrot mix (frozen vegetable mix)
½ cup finely chopped fresh spinach

For serving:
fresh chopped cilantro

Directions:

1. Rinse the rice well and set aside.
2. Add olive oil to a pot or deep frying pan and heat over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the onion and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3-5 minutes (until the onions are soft and golden brown). Then stir in the garlic and freshly grated turmeric and cook for another minute (until fragrant), stirring frequently.
3. Stir in 1 cup uncooked rice, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Simmer, stirring frequently, for 1 minute (until the rice is evenly coated with the stewing mixture). Stir in 2 cups of water.
4. Bring the rice to a boil over medium-high heat, simmer for 1 minute, then immediately cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-18 minutes (until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed). Remove from heat, fluff the rice with a fork, stir in the peas, carrots, and spinach, then cover and let the rice steam for another 10-15 minutes. Taste and add more salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with cilantro.

Yield: 4 servings
Recipe: ambitiouskitchen.com