| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 315 | 7g | 1g | 58g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 6g | 0.4g |
The lush, intertwining tapestry of my Pacific Northwest upbringing and my Japanese roots has made me appreciate the delicate artistry of food on a molecular level, and the Maize and Turmeric Rice recipe is a true reflection of this. There’s something about harmonizing ingredients that come together to create a dish. It’s not just about how they mesh on the plate, but the story they tell, the places they activate in your palette and, ultimately, the poem they write in your belly.
The Dance of East and West
In this recipe, the golden-hued turmeric dances with sweet corn, a staple of both Americana and Asian comfort dishes, to create a mosaic of flavors. The zesty lime provides a delightful contrast to the earthy turmeric, while the tartness collaborates perfectly with coriander’s unique, citrusy kick. This is a dish that praises diversity, but more importantly, it’s a testament to how two seemingly distant worlds can create something truly beautiful and delicious.
Similar Dishes and Pairing Options
If you’re familiar with Indian cuisine, you may find a likeness between this recipe and their traditional ‘lemon rice’. And if you’re wondering about the best dishes to pair the Maize and Turmeric Rice with, consider it as a delightful companion to creamy curries, grilled seafood or aromatic stir-fries. This rice is versatile, ready to complement your main dish or even star as a standalone meal itself with a side of crispy-tofu or grilled vegetables.
The Health Factor
But flavor and versatility aren’t the only reasons to adore this dish. Turmeric, the humble spice that gives this dish its beautiful, vibrant color, is a celebrated superfood. It contains curcumin, a substance with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The sweet corn brings a healthy dose of dietary fiber to the table, which is beneficial for digestion. Olive oil, a staple in the Mediterranean diet, adds heart-healthy monounsaturated fats which can help lower your risk of heart disease.
In our rush to find the next best thing, we often forget about the power that lies in simple ingredients and their combinations. This Maize and Turmeric Rice is a recipe that celebrates these humble ingredients and turns them into a delightful, healthy meal. I can only hope that you enjoy cooking it as much as I do, and in the process discover anew the joy of creating something lovely and comforting from scratch.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of basmati rice, rinsed and drained
- 1 and 1/2 cups of sweet corn (maize) kernels
- 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- 4 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 tablespoon of grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh coriander
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Method
Step One
Take 2 cups of basmati rice and rinse it in water thoroughly. After rinsing, drain out all the water, leaving just the rice behind.
Step Two
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is heated, add in the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté these until the onion turns soft and translucent.
Step Three
Add 1 and 1/2 cups of sweet corn kernels to the skillet. Stir it in with the sautéed onion, garlic, and ginger, allow it to cook for about 2 minutes.
Step Four
Add the rinsed and drained basmati rice to the skillet, and stir it in with the sautéed ingredients. Add 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper to the mix. Stir these in until the rice is evenly coated.
Step Five
Pour 4 cups of water into the skillet and mix thoroughly. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet and let it simmer. Cook until the rice absorbs all the water and becomes tender.
Step Six
Once the rice is cooked, remove it from heat. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of chopped fresh coriander over the top and fluff the rice with a fork.
Step Seven
Serve your Maize and Turmeric Rice warm, with lime wedges on the side for added tanginess as per taste.
