Turmeric, Garlic & Caramelized Leek Rice by Donabe With Me

Turmeric, Garlic & Caramelized Leek Rice 

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil 
• 2 leeks, chopped 
• 1.5 cups short-grain rice
• 1.5 cups plus 2 tbsp kombu dashi (or water/veggie stock) 
• 1 tsp turmeric 
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper 
• 1 tsp garlic powder 
• 1 tsp salt 
• Optional: 1 tbsp salted butter 

Method: 

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped leeks and sauté until soft and just starting to brown, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper and set aside. 
2. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Transfer rice to your donabe or rice cooker.  
3. Pour in Dashi or liquid of choice and let the rice soak for 15 minutes. Sprinkle in turmeric, pepper, garlic powder and salt. Stir to combine. 
4. Arrange the caramelized leeks evenly on top of the rice - do not stir. 
5. Cover with lid(s) and cook over medium-high heat for 13 minutes, or until 2 minutes after the steam starts puffing out of the top lid.
6. Turn off the heat and let the rice stand for 15-20 minutes.
7. Uncover, add a pat of salted butter (if using), and gently fluff the rice with a rice paddle.