5 from 186 votes
Mediterranean Yellow Rice Recipe
Mediterranean Yellow Rice blends basmati rice with fragrant spices like turmeric, cumin, and paprika, sautéed with onion and garlic. The rice cooks to a tender, fluffy texture and is finished with chopped cilantro, parsley, and toasted pine nuts for added aroma and crunch. This dish provides bright color and warm, earthy flavors typical of Mediterranean cuisine, making it a versatile side to accompany meats or vegetarian mains.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings:
8
Calories:
197 kcal
Course:
Side Dish
Cuisine:
Mediterranean, Greek
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!
Cup of Yum
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
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%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8 Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 197
% 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.