South Africa | Breads & Grains | Raisins | Rice

Geelrys

Geelrys

(South African yellow rice with raisins)

Yield: 3-4 servings


INGREDIENTS PREP AMOUNT
Water or stock 4 cups
Rice, long-grain 2 1/2 cups
Turmeric 1 tsp
Cinnamon stick 1 each
Cinnamon, ground 1/2 tsp
Sugar 1-2 Tbsp
Salt & pepper to taste
Raisins 1/2 cup

METHOD

Basic Steps:  Boil → Simmer → Fluff
  1. Bring water or stock to a boil over medium heat. Add rest of ingredients and return to a boil.
  2. Turn heat to very low, cover tightly, and simmer 18-20 minutes. Remove from heat and let set, covered, another 5-10 minutes. Remove cover, discard cinnamon stick and fluff with a fork.

VARIATIONS

  • Golden raisins (sultanas) work very with this dish.
  • Use brown sugar if you like.
  • Stir 1-2 Tbsp butter into the cooked rice at the end.

NOTES

  • Geelrys is another South African dish that has roots in the Dutch East Indies. It is the traditional accompaniment to bobotie.