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Traditional South African Yellow Rice with Raisins Recipe (Stovetop + Instant Pot)

A traditional South African yellow rice recipe with turmeric, raisins, and cinnamon. Lightly sweet, perfectly spiced, and easy to make on the stove or Instant Pot.
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Traditional South African Yellow Rice with Raisins Recipe
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 cup 250 ml white rice (the absorption method uses 11/4 cups)
  • Water - see different quantities for each cooking method
  • 1 tsp 5 ml turmeric
  • 1 small cinnamon stick
  • ¼ cup 60 ml raisins
  • ½ tsp 2.5 ml salt
  • 1 Tbsp 15 ml butter or olive oil

Instructions

Absorption method (my preferred method)

  • Soak your rice for 15 minutes if desired, and then rinse under a tap (in a sieve) until the water runs clear.
  • In a medium pot, bring 500 ml water, (2 cups) 3/4 tsp salt, 1 tsp turmeric to a boil.
  • Add the rice, raisins, cinnamon and cover with a tight-fitting lid and boil over medium heat for 5 minutes without lifting the lid.
  • Turn off the heat and let the rice sit covered for 25 minutes to absorb the liquid fully.
  • Remove the cinnamon stick, add the butter and fluff gently with a fork, and serve.
  • Note: If any water remains after the rest period, place the pot back on low heat, uncovered for a few minutes to allow excess moisture to steam off.

Instant Pot Method

  • Rinse the rice well and soak briefly if desired (check your rice brand for recommended soak time).
  • Add the rice, 250ml (1 cup)water, turmeric, cinnamon stick, raisins, salt, and butter or oil to the bowl of the Instant Pot.
  • Seal the lid and set the valve to “Sealing”. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.
  • Once done, allow 10 minutes of natural pressure release, then release any remaining pressure manually.
  • Fluff the rice with a fork, remove the cinnamon stick, and serve.

Stovetop Method

  • Rinse the rice and soak briefly if desired
  • Combine all the ingredients except the butter in a medium saucepan, but add 1 ½ cups of water.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes.
  • Take the rice off the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes to fully absorb.
  • Remove the cinnamon stick, add the butter, fluff the rice with a fork, and serve warm.

Notes

Recipe – 1 cup of uncooked rice yields approximately 3 cups of cooked rice.
Storage Instructions
  • Fridge: Store cooled rice in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost and reheat gently with a splash of water.
  • Reheat: Microwave covered, or steam gently on the stove until warm.