Simple & Satisfying Side Dish: Turmeric Veggie Brown Rice Pilaf

This content is sponsored by Nature’s Way® brands.

With the rise of golden milk lattes and turmeric capsules, more and more people are taking turmeric on a regular basis, so here’s another way to get some of that joint-supporting goodness into your system!* I know a lot of you are active people who enjoy a good sweat session, and there is nothing more important than supporting your joints, especially if you engage in lots of high-impact movement (any sort of running, jumping, cardio-based group fitness classes, heavy weight training). Turmeric has been used in Indian cuisine for centuries and even a quick Google search of its origin brings up a reference to this glorious herb as “the wonder spice.” Darn right… let’s make some wonderful pilaf then!

I wanted to make this pilaf a little extra special and extra healthy for you busy bodies, so I used brown rice, rather than white, and loaded it with veggies. Shaved Brussels sprouts add a unique twist and a cruciferous boost, carrots add… well you can’t go wrong with carrots, and shallots are the most delightful little “mini onions” with a hint of garlic flavor. I used tricolor carrots in this recipe and though not necessary, they add such a beautiful dose of color to the dish!

You want to know what ALSO adds a beautiful dose of color to the dish? The turmeric! It’s golden color is both beautiful and beneficial to your body.* I used Nature’s Way® Turmeric Powder for this recipe, which is standardized to 95% curcuminoids, meaning you are getting more of the good stuff. Fun fact for you, curcumin is actually the component of turmeric that has been researched to support joint health*, so it is key to find a product with a high percentage of standardized-curcuminoid content. If the product packaging says nothing about this, there’s a decent chance it’s not the product you want 😉

This dish is so stinkin savory and delicious that it pairs well with lots of things, but I would serve this as either a tasty side dish, or better yet, top it with chicken breast for a complete meal! Just imagine… your joints will be smiling and so will your taste buds 🙂

Turmeric Veggie Brown Rice Pilaf
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
 

This makes the most delicious side dish, or pair this pilaf with chicken breast for a protein, whole grain and veggie-packed meal!

Servings: 6 servings – 1/2 cup each
Ingredients
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped shallots
  • 1/2 cup chopped carrots
  • 1/2 cup shaved Brussels sprouts
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 1 1/2 tsp Nature’s Way® Turmeric Powder
  • 1 1/4 tsp thyme
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup water
Instructions
  1. Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the shallots, carrots, Brussels sprouts and garlic – cook for 5-7 minutes, until the shallots become translucent.

  2. Add the rice to the skillet and stir until lightly toasted.

  3. Add the turmeric, thyme and pepper.

  4. Stir in the chicken broth and water, then bring to a boil.

  5. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 45-60 min.

  6. Fluff with a fork and serve warm.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.