Go Back
–+ servings
A ceramic bowl holds a golden-hued meal of turmeric rice, beans, and greens.
4.37 from 30 votes

One Pot Turmeric Rice, Beans & Greens

Author - Gena Hamshaw
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil (substitute another neutral vegetable oil)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup white or brown basmati rice
  • 2 teaspoons turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt (more as needed)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 2 1/4 cups + 1/2 cup water, divided
  • 5 ounces baby spinach or chopped, fresh spinach (about 5 cups)
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked kidney beans (1 14.5-ounce can, drained and rinsed)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup tightly packed, chopped cilantro leaves and stems (optional)
  • Yum sauce (optional, for drizzling on top)

Instructions

  • Rinse the rice through a sieve under cold, running water for a full minute. Drain the rice.
  • Heat the oil in a medium pot or a deep skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the onion. Cook the onion, stirring frequently, for 7 minutes, or until it's soft and just browning. Add splashes of water as needed to prevent sticking. When the onion is ready, stir in the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  • Add the rice, turmeric, cumin, coriander, salt, bay leaf, and water to the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cover. Simmer for 12-15 minutes (for white rice) or for 30-35 minutes (brown rice), or until the rice is tender.
  • Pour in the extra 1/2 cup water, then add the spinach to the pot, piling it over the rice. Cover the pot again to allow the spinach to steam and wilt down for 2 minutes. Then, stir the spinach into the rice, so that it wilts down completely. (If you need to add a few splashes of additional water as you do this, go for it.)
  • Finally, stir in the kidney beans, lime juice, and black pepper to your liking. Taste the rice, adjust seasonings as needed, then stir in the cilantro, if using. Top with yum sauce or any other desired garnishes. Serve.