5.0 from 186 votes
Mediterranean Yellow Rice Recipe
Our all-time favorite Mediterranean Rice is a quick and easy way to add a burst of sunshine to your dinner table in just 30 minutes! The simple addition of turmeric and cumin to basmati rice gives it that vibrant yellow color. This dish delivers fluffy grains that don't stick together, with the delightful crunch of toasted pine nuts for the perfect rice pilaf.
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 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
- Recipe Tips:
- How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Rinse the rice. It's crucial that the rice is thoroughly rinsed before cooking to ensure you get the fluffiest grains.
- Toast the spices. You'll get a much deeper and richer flavor in the rice if you take a minute or two to toast the spices.
- Watch the pine nuts closely. These guys can burn quickly, so set a timer and trust your nose- when you start to smell them, they're ready!
- Finely chop the herbs. This ensures they evenly distribute throughout the rice and you don't get big chunks of an herb in one bite.
- Refrigerator. Cool the rice to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezer. This freezes great in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 4 months.
- To Reheat. Either warm up this rice in the microwave in 30 second intervals, or add to a skillet over medium heat with a little oil and water.
Nutrition Information
Calories
197kcal
(10%)
Carbohydrates
30g
(10%)
Protein
3g
(6%)
Fat
7g
(11%)
Saturated Fat
1g
(5%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
3g
Monounsaturated Fat
3g
Trans Fat
1g
Sodium
308mg
(13%)
Potassium
137mg
(4%)
Fiber
1g
(4%)
Sugar
1g
(2%)
Vitamin A
640IU
(13%)
Vitamin C
7mg
(8%)
Calcium
26mg
(3%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
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.