TURMERIC SAUERKRAUT RICE BOWL
A colourful and health-boosting bowl that combines fluffy basmati rice tinted with golden turmeric, tangy fermented sauerkraut and tender steamed broccoli. Each component of the rice bowl contributes unique benefits like turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties, sauerkraut’s probiotics for gut flora balance and broccoli’s vitamins and fibre. A drizzle of creamy tahini dressing rounds out the flavours with a nutty richness. This turmeric sauerkraut rice bowl is ready in under ten minutes. This rice bowl is suitable for busy weekdays, meal preparation routines or a quick lunch on the go. Its vibrant hues and layered textures make it as appetising to the eye as it is to the palate, proving that simple and wholesome ingredients can deliver both nourishment and satisfaction.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Lunch
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Middle Eastern
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
One‑Pot Wonders, No‑Cook
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Quick Meals, Work‑from‑Home Lunch, Healthy Eating
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Vegan, Vegetarian, Organic, High Fibre, Healthy, Quick & Easy, Wheat / Gluten‑Free
DISH TYPE
Salad
INGREDIENTS
- ½ cup cooked basmati rice
- ¼ cup sauerkraut, drained
- ¼ cup steamed broccoli florets
- ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 tablespoon tahini dressing
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Energy 290 kcal
- Protein 6 g
- Carbohydrate 42 g
- Fat 10 g
- Saturated fat 1 g
- Fibre 6 g
- Sugar 3 g
- Sodium 360 mg
PREPARATION
- Heat The Rice: Place ½ cup of cooked basmati rice in a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan. Warm gently until piping hot, about 1 minute in the microwave or 2 to 3 minutes on the stovetop over low heat.
- Spice The Rice: Sprinkle ½ teaspoon of ground turmeric evenly over the hot rice. Stir thoroughly to coat every grain, turning the rice a vibrant golden hue.
- Add The Broccoli: Arrange ¼ cup of steamed broccoli florets on one side of the bowl. Ensure the broccoli is warm and tender, steamed just until bright green and easily pierced with a fork.
- Top With Sauerkraut: Drain ¼ cup of sauerkraut well, then layer it beside the broccoli. The fermented cabbage brings a lively tang that contrasts beautifully with the mellow rice.
- Drizzle The Dressing: Spoon 1 tablespoon of tahini dressing over the centre. Gently swirl to create ribbons of creamy and nutty sauce that marry all components.
- Final Stir (Optional): For a more integrated flavour, fold gently once or twice so turmeric rice and dressing mingle without losing the distinct bite of sauerkraut and broccoli.
- Serve Immediately: Present while still warm for maximum comfort and flavour contrast between hot rice and cool sauerkraut.
PREP TIME
3 minutes
COOKING TIME
5 minutes
TIPS
- Use Day‑Old Rice: Cook rice in advance, refrigerate it, because the grains separate more easily and absorb turmeric evenly when warmed.
- Steam Broccoli Quickly: Microwave florets in a covered bowl with a tablespoon of water for 1 minute to preserve colour and nutrients.
- Drain Sauerkraut Thoroughly: Pat with kitchen paper to prevent excess moisture from diluting the tahini dressing.
- Mix Turmeric First: Stir turmeric into rice before adding other ingredients to prevent clumping.
- Warm The Tahini: If too thick, whisk dressing with a splash of warm water for a drizzling consistency.
- Balance Flavours: Taste before serving and add a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of salt if desired to brighten the bowl.
VARIATIONS
- Protein Boost: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cooked chickpeas or crumbled tofu for extra protein.
- Vegetable Upgrade: Add 2 tablespoons of roasted red peppers or shredded carrots for colour and crunch.
- Herbal Note: Top with chopped parsley or coriander for freshness.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle a tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds or chopped almonds over the dressing.
- Spice Kick: Add a pinch of chilli flakes or a dash of harissa for heat.
- Dressing Swap: Use yoghurt-based sauce or avocado crema instead of tahini.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Fridge: Store turmeric rice, broccoli and sauerkraut separately in airtight containers for up to two days. Reheat rice and broccoli, then assemble and dress just before eating to maintain textures.
- Freezer: Freezing is not recommended because freezing alters the texture of steamed broccoli and tahini dressing. Instead of it, freeze extra rice portions and defrost them overnight.