Golden Glow Garlic-Turmeric Basmati Rice

Looking for a dish that’s as healing as it is delicious? This anti-inflammatory Garlic Turmeric Basmati Rice is loaded with flavor and wellness benefits—and it pairs beautifully with your favorite protein (we love it with garlicky shrimp sautéed in guajillo chili oil!).

🌿 Why This Recipe Supports Your Wellness

Basmati rice—especially the brown variety—is a low-glycemic, fiber-rich grain that supports gut health, steady blood sugar, and lower inflammation. It contains antioxidants like GABA and nutrients like magnesium and vitamin E—key players in calming chronic inflammation.

Pair it with veggies, garlic, and turmeric (one of nature’s most powerful anti-inflammatory spices), and you’ve got a functional meal that fights oxidative stress and tastes amazing.

✨ Ingredients:

  • 1 cup basmati rice (white or brown)
  • 1 small carrot, chopped
  • 1 stalk celery, chopped
  • 1/3 cup purple onion
  • 1/3 zucchini, chopped
  • 1–3 garlic cloves, finely diced
  • 2–3 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1/2–1 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

👩‍🍳 7-Step Method: Anti-Inflammatory Garlic Turmeric Basmati Rice

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
  2. Add basmati rice and stir until it turns golden and lightly toasted.
  3. Mix in chopped vegetables (carrot, celery, onion, zucchini) and sauté for a few minutes until softened.
  4. Add finely diced garlic and continue to sauté until fragrant.
  5. Boil your broth (chicken or vegetable), then pour it into the rice and veggie mixture.
  6. Stir in turmeric, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  7. Fluff the rice and serve with your favorite protein—shrimp, chicken, or tofu works beautifully!

🔍 Benefits: Garlic & Turmeric

  • 🧄 Garlic
    • Contains sulfur compounds like allicin
    • Supports immune health and fights oxidative stress
    • Known to help regulate blood pressure and support heart health
    • Naturally anti-inflammatory
  • 🌿 Turmeric
    • Rich in curcumin, a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
    • Shown in studies to reduce joint pain and support gut health
    • Helps with hormone balance
    • Best absorbed when paired with healthy fats or black pepper

👩‍⚕️ Dr. Mendoza’s Tip:
Chronic inflammation often hides behind fatigue, bloating, or hormonal shifts. But meals like this are simple, functional tools to help your body heal from the inside out.

🧘‍♀️ Nourish your body. Calm the fire. And glow from within.