Tini Tom and wife cook special Middle Eastern yellow rice for Christmas

This Christmas is quite special for actor Tini Tom and his family as it will be their first Christmas after moving into a brand new house. Though Tini had ruled the stages as a seasoned mimicry artist, it was his looks and body language that resembled mega star Mammootty which earned him a place in the movies.

Tini is a self-confessed foodie who owes his health and 'weight' to his wife Roopa, who is an excellent cook. Tini and Roopa were excited to cook a Christmas special dish for Onmanorama. The couple cooked fragrant Middle Eastern yellow rice.

Though it looks similar to our good old biryani, the yellow rice has unique flavours. Tini and Roopa swear by the taste of this incredible dish and add that it is a perfect dish to be served for guests. Check out this simple recipe of the Middle Eastern yellow rice.

Ingredients
2 cups basmati rice (half cooked)
1 onion (finely chopped)
2 tsp garlic paste
1 tbsp turmeric powder
2 cups chicken/vegetable stock
2 tbsp olive oil/coconut oil
Salt as required
Butter as required

Preparation
Heat olive oil or coconut oil with a tea spoon of butter in a pan
Sauté the onions and the garlic paste
Add salt as required and sauté until they change colour
Add the turmeric powder and mix well
Pour in the chicken/vegetable stock 
Add the half cooked basmati rice when the stock begins to boil
Cook the rice for 10 minutes on low flame with the lid on
Turn off the flame when the rice is perfectly cooked and fragrant
Tastes best when served hot.