Nasi Kunyit (Turmeric Glutinous Rice)

Nasi Kunyit is a celebratory rice dish served during weddings and special occasions. It is glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and turmeric.

In Malaysia, the Malays as well as the Chinese serve Nasi Kunyit during special occasions. This yellow rice dish is glutinous (sweet/sticky) rice cooked in coconut milk and turmeric. The color yellow signifies good fortune, wealth, and royalty.

Nasi Kunyit and Full Moon Celebration

To the Malaysian Chinese especially the Baba-Nyonyas (Peranakan), Nasi Kunyit is synonymous with a baby’s Full Moon celebration. The month old baby is formally introduced to extended family and friends during this celebration which also coincides with the end of the new mom’s confinement period. For many, this is the first time they are meeting the newborn.

During this celebration, Nasi Kunyit, red colored hard boiled eggs, and Ang Ku Kueh are served. These are often accompanied by a little Chicken Curry, Pickled Ginger, and Roast Pork Belly. I used to look forward to these celebrations as a child so that I can get a taste of this soft chewy peppercorn studded yellow rice. It was so delicious served with a little curry.

Outside of Full Moon celebrations, Nasi Kunyit is seldom cooked. I remember asking Mom why that is so. She told me that it is reserved only for special occasions. Since I was not the one doing the cooking back then, I had to take it at that. 😉

Glutinous Rice

Glutinous (sweet/sticky) rice is a kind of rice grown mainly in Southeast and East Asia. It is sticky when cooked, hence its name in the sense that it is sticky. It has nothing to do with dietary gluten. In fact, there is no gluten at all in the rice and it is safe for those on a gluten free diet. This rice is often used in sweet desserts because it can be easily compressed and made into cakes. Do check out my Pulut Inti recipe which also uses this rice.

Similar Tools Used in Making This Nasi Kunyit

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Stainless Steel Oven Safe Sauce Pan Cookware, 3-Quart
Stainless Steel Induction Compatible Dutch Oven Cookware, 5.5-Quart
Pyrex Simply Store 7-Cup Round Glass Food Storage Dish,Blue

5 from 2 votes

Nasi Kunyit (Turmeric Glutinous Rice)

Nasi Kunyit is a celebratory rice dish served during weddings and special occasions. It is glutinous rice cooked in coconut milk and turmeric.

Author : Linda Ooi

Course : Side Dish

Cuisine : Malaysian

Keyword : nasi kunyit, turmeric glutinous rice, turmeric rice

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Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 30 mins

Total Time 40 mins

Servings : 6

Calories : 440kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1½ cups glutinous rice (300g)
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• 2 pieces asam gelugor or 2 tsp lime juice
• 1 tsp salt
• 20 white peppercorns
• 2 pandan leaves (shredded and knotted)
• ¾ cup coconut milk (300ml)

Instructions

 

• Wash and drain glutinous rice. Place in a bowl or pan together with ground turmeric and asam gelugor or lime juice. Add enough water to cover the glutinous rice and allow it to soak at least 4 hours.
• Prepare a steamer with 2 inches of water at the bottom. Bring water to a boil.
• Drain glutinous rice and place it in steaming container. Add salt, peppercorns, and pandan leaves.
• Pour in ½ cup (120ml) coconut milk, reserving the remaining ¼ cup (60ml) for later.
  
• Transfer to prepared steamer. Cover and steam over medium heat for 20 minutes.
• Remove lid and fluff glutinous rice with fork. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup (60ml) coconut milk onto rice. Cover and steam for another 10 minutes.
  
• Remove and serve warm with curry.

Nutrition

Calories: 440kcal

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500th Blog Post

By the way, I just realized that this is the 500th post on the blog. I guess that is a celebration of sorts, don’t you think? 😉 Anyway, I served this Nasi Kunyit with Chicken Curry and Beef and Chicken Satay during the long Labor Day weekend. It was all so festive and tasty!