Mediterranean Yellow Rice Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
197 kcal
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Course
Side Dish
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Cuisine
Mediterranean, Greek
Mediterranean Yellow Rice Recipe
Description
The Mediterranean Yellow Rice Recipe features basmati rice cooked with turmeric, cumin, and paprika, which impart its characteristic golden hue and subtle warm spiciness. Onion and garlic are sautéed at the start to build a foundation of flavor, while stirring releases the spices' aromas before the rice and water are added. The rice simmers gently until tender.
Once cooked, the rice is mixed with freshly chopped cilantro and parsley to bring herbal freshness and a touch of green contrast. Toasted pine nuts provide a nutty crunch that complements the soft grains. The dish’s blend of fragrant spices and fresh herbs captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors.
This rice pairs well with grilled or roasted meats such as lamb koftas or chicken kabobs and cucumber yogurt sauces like tzatziki. It works as a colorful, flavorful base or side.
For best results, rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and keep grains separate. Toast spices briefly to enhance their potency, and watch pine nuts closely while toasting to avoid burning. Store leftovers refrigerated for up to five days or freeze for longer preservation and reheat gently before serving.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- ½ sweet onion finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic finely minced
- ¾ tsp. Turmeric
- ¼ tsp. cumin
- ¼ tsp. paprika
- 1 ¼ tsp. salt to taste
- 2 ¼ cups water
- 1 ½ cups basmati rice rinsed
- 2 Tbsp. cilantro finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp. parsley flat-leaf, finely chopped
- ¼ cup pine nuts toasted
Instructions
- Add oil and diced onion to a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Saute for 2-3 minutes, or until onion becomes translucent. Add crushed garlic and continue sauteing for another minute.
- Mix in turmeric, cumin, paprika, and salt. Toast until fragrant. (About 1 minute.)
- Pour in water, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any bits that are stuck, and add in the rice. Give it a good stir, and bring the water to a boil.
- Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until rice is tender and fluffy.
- Remove the pot from the heat and mix in chopped cilantro, parsley, and toasted pine nuts. Serve immediately with some Lamb Koftas or Greek Chicken Kabobs and Tzatziki sauce and enjoy!
Notes
- Rinse basmati rice thoroughly to ensure fluffy, separate grains.
- Toast spices to deepen their flavor before adding liquids.
- Keep a close eye on pine nuts when toasting to prevent burning.
- Chop herbs finely for even distribution in the rice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 4 months; reheat gently.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 197 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 197kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 30g | 10% |
| Protein | 3g | 6% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Sodium | 308mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 137mg | 3% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 640IU | 13% |
| Vitamin C | 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 26mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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