How to make Greek rice with turmeric

[acamp7]

There are many different ways to make Greek rice to pair with a variety of Greek dishes. The most simple version is just plain white rice but you can always add a bit more flavour and style with rice pilaf, or my favorite, "Greek rice" with turmeric. This rice has a beautiful color and is full of flavour. I start by sautéing garlic and onion and adding one bay leaf, two cloves, oregano, salt pepper turmeric, garlic powder and any other spices that you like. I sauté the rice in the olive oil and then add water and boil until the rice is tender. I fluff the rice with a fork. You can garnish with fresh parsley for a nice touch of green color. Enjoy!

 

[k_tsoukalas]

I had no idea that Greeks use turmeric in cooking! Is this common? I am a Greek-American and my family never once used it. Does it depend on the region of Greece? I remember on Crete, many dishes were spiced with cumin and this also surprised me since my family never cooks with cumin. The restaurant had put it in their spinach turnover (they had called it hortopitakia but it was different than I would have expected. No cheese, the dough was different than the phyllo I am used to). It is interesting to me, the regional differences of Greek food.