During the week, I’m always looking for a way to get beyond ordinary b-b-boring boiled rice.

Hello.

Cue our friends of South Africa… they have the answer with “Geelrys,” which literally translates to “yellow rice.” Imagine a pot of turmeric and raisin bejeweled rice… a simple side dish as flavorful as it is gorgeous.

Geelrys tastes like a sunrise on the most beautiful morning of your life.

Giraffe at dawn in Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa. Photo by Joonas Lyytinen.

Or, like happy a hug from a good friend.

Or, maybe it just tastes like really, really good rice.

While you can make Geelrys with any kind of rice you like, I prefer it with Basmati, as does my South African friend, Janine. The cooking time for Basmati is longer than standard white rice, but much gentler; the end result is tantalizingly delicate.

There’s really nothing to it… Yellow Rice is definitely weeknight friendly.

P.S. This is a great dish for picky eaters – one to help to broaden their horizons without going too crazy with spices.

Serves 6

Ingredients:

2 cups basmati rice, rinsed & drained
3 cups water
1/4 cup raisins
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 Tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp turmeric
salt
pepper

Method:

First step? Do a little dance. And… while you’re at it… why not make the dance regionally appropriate?

Many African dances involve jumping including ritual dances of the Zulu. In the background are the typical traditional Zulu huts and vegitation (aloes) of the higher regions of Kwazulu Natal, South Africa. Photo by Hein waschefort.

Now, for the rice.

Rinse and drain the basmati in cool water. Add it to a medium pot with all remaining ingredients and bring to a happy boil.

Cover, then reduce the heat to very low and (barely) simmer for about 30 minutes.

Enjoy those sweet bursts of raisin and the subtle, gorgeous glow of the golden turmeric. 

Congratulations! You created edible sunshine!

It’s like a dream, just ask my cat…

<sigh>

Enjoy with a bit of Bobotie.

yum yum yum

Do you go out of your way to make rice more interesting in your household? Why or why not? If so, any tips or tricks? I’m especially curious about how often you eat rice, as compared to pasta or potatoes.

South Africa's Yellow Rice | Geelrys

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“Geelrys,” literally translates to “yellow rice.” Imagine a pot of turmeric and raisin bejeweled rice… a simple side dish as flavorful as it is gorgeous.

• LifestyleGluten-Free, Potluck Friendly, Vegan, Vegetarian
• Food TypeMiss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Rice, Sasha's Favorite Recipes

Servings

6 people

Servings 6 people

South Africa's Yellow Rice | Geelrys Votes: 0 Rating: 0 You: Rate this recipe! Print Recipe “Geelrys,” literally translates to “yellow rice.” Imagine a pot of turmeric and raisin bejeweled rice… a simple side dish as flavorful as it is gorgeous. LifestyleGluten-Free, Potluck Friendly, Vegan, Vegetarian Food TypeMiss Ava's Favorite Recipes, Mr. Picky's Favorite Recipes, Rice, Sasha's Favorite Recipes Servings 6 people Servings 6 people

Ingredients

• 2 cups basmati rice , rinsed & drained
• 3 cups water
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 Tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tsp turmeric
• salt
• pepper

Servings: people

Units:MetricUS Imperial

Instructions

1. Rinse and drain the basmati in cool water. Add it to a medium pot with all remaining ingredients and bring to a happy boil.
2. Cover, then reduce the heat to very low and (barely) simmer for about 30 minutes. Enjoy those sweet bursts of raisin and the subtle, gorgeous glow of the golden turmeric.