Sesame Free Lemon Turmeric Rice with Fresh Herbs
Golden from turmeric and bright with fresh lemon, this herbed rice is the kind of side dish that quietly steals the show at the dinner table. Long-grain brown rice gets cooked low and slow until perfectly tender, then tossed with olive oil, lemon zest, and a generous handful of parsley, dill, and mint — the combination is fragrant, fresh, and genuinely hard to stop eating. For anyone navigating sesame allergies or sensitivities, this recipe is a breath of fresh air: every single ingredient is straightforward, with no tahini, no sesame oil, and no hidden blends that could sneak in a problem. The optional pine nuts add a buttery crunch on top, but the dish is completely satisfying without them if you prefer to skip. Turmeric gives the rice a gorgeous warm color that looks far more impressive than the effort involved — this is a one-pot situation with a mostly hands-off cook time. It pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, grilled proteins, or honestly just a fried egg on top for an easy weeknight meal.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
- 1 ½ cups long-grain brown rice
- 2 ¾ cups water
- ¾ tsp ground turmeric
- ¾ tsp fine sea salt
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, roughly chopped
- ¼ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
For serving
- 2 tbsp toasted pine nuts (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Rinse the brown rice in a fine-mesh strainer under cold running water until the water runs mostly clear, about 30 seconds. Drain well.
- 2
Combine the rinsed rice, water, turmeric, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and cook until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender, 40–45 minutes. Do not lift the lid during cooking.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!