Geel Rys(Yellow Rice)

Ingredients

• 150 grice (basmati or jasmine)
• 225 gchicken stock (or vegetable stock or water)
• 3 gsalt
• ¼ tsp (about 1.25 ml)turmeric
• 3bay leaves
• 25 gunsalted butter

Instructions

1. 1

   Rinse the rice

   Add cold water to the rice and gently swirl it with your hand. Pour away the cloudy water, then repeat until the water runs clear, usually after 2 to 3 rinses.

2. 2

   Combine everything

   Put all the ingredients into a saucepan or rice cooker.

3. 3

   Cook the rice

   Bring the mixture to a boil, cover with a lid and turn the heat down to its minimum setting. Set a timer for 15 minutes.

4. 4

   Rest and serve

   After 15 minutes, remove the pan from the heat. Leave the rice to stand for at least 3 minutes, then serve.

What is geelrys?

Geelrys, or yellow rice, is a familiar South African dish, including in Cape Malay cooking. Turmeric gives the grains their golden colour, while bay leaves and butter add a gentle savoury fragrance.

This version keeps the ingredients straightforward and cooks them together, making it an easy side dish for a home-cooked meal.

Nutrition and macros by portion

The nutrition label shows one serving as written: 204 calories, 4g protein, 33g carbs, 6g fat.

The rice supplies most of the carbohydrates, while the butter contributes most of the fat; the stock and rice provide a little protein. Pair a serving with vegetables and a protein-rich main to make a more balanced plate.

Choose and rinse the rice

Rice choice: Basmati or jasmine both work here; use whichever you have to hand.

Rinsing: Swirling the rice in cold water and draining it 2 to 3 times removes loose starch from the surface. Stop when the water runs clear.

Build the flavour

Turmeric: A quarter teaspoon colours the rice and brings a mild, earthy warmth without overwhelming the other ingredients.

Bay and butter: The leaves infuse the cooking liquid, while the butter adds richness. Remove the bay leaves before eating.

Cook gently

Even cooking: Bring the ingredients to a boil before covering the pan, then reduce the heat to its minimum for the 15-minute cooking time.

Keep covered: Leaving the lid on helps the rice cook in the stock or water. Use a saucepan or a rice cooker, as described in the method.

Check the texture

After cooking: The rice should be fluffy and tender once it has cooked for 15 minutes and rested for at least 3 minutes.

Resting: Letting it stand off the heat gives the grains a little time to settle before serving.

Serve it with

A meal pairing: Serve geelrys alongside vegetables, beans, chicken or fish for a simple plate.

Saucy dishes: Its mild flavour makes it a useful accompaniment to a stew or curry, where the grains can take up some of the sauce.

Recipe notes & tips

• Rinse the rice until the water runs clear, usually after 2 to 3 rinses.
• Use a saucepan with a lid that fits well to keep the rice covered during cooking.
• Keep the heat at its minimum after bringing the ingredients to a boil.
• Let the rice stand for at least 3 minutes before serving.
• Remove the bay leaves before dishing up.

Variations

• Use vegetable stock: Swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock.
• Use water: Cook the rice with water instead of stock.
• Try another rice: Choose basmati or jasmine, as listed in the ingredients.
• Adjust the butter: Use less butter for a less rich result.
• Serve with curry: Pair the rice with a curry or stew.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Skipping the rinse: Cloudy water means loose starch remains; rinse 2 to 3 times or until clear.
• Leaving the heat high: The rice may cook unevenly; turn the heat down to minimum after it boils.
• Lifting the lid: Heat and steam escape; keep the saucepan covered while the rice cooks.
• Serving straight away: The texture benefits from resting; leave it off the heat for at least 3 minutes.
• Forgetting the bay leaves: Remove them before serving so they are not eaten.

How to store

Refrigerate leftover rice promptly in a covered container and use within 1 day. Reheat until steaming hot throughout, adding a small splash of water if it seems dry.

Frequently asked questions