Mediterranean Yellow Rice

This quick and easy Mediterranean Yellow Rice Recipe results in the most flavorful and fluffy rice! Onion, turmeric, and cumin are sautéed to release the aromatics before cooking the rice to tender perfection. Add toasted pine nuts for a crunch and serve this vegan Greek pilaf as a side dish along with kebobs, lamb koftas, or grilled veggies.

I made a batch of these Lamb Koftas and Tzatziki Sauce and needed a simple side to go along with them.

Recently we had a delightful yellow rice at a local Greek spot so I decided to try it out.

I got started by sautéing a little oil and onion.

Then a few aromatic ground spices were tossed in and toasted slightly. (Wow does your kitchen smell in-CREDIBLE when you do this!)

Next I added in basmati rice and water and simmered until the rice was tender and fluffy.

And of course those fresh herbs and toasted pine nuts needed to be mixed in right at the end.

The combo of fresh herbs and ground spices really takes this simple side dish to the NEXT level of flavor!

Ingredients

The simple ingredients you need to make this yellow rice recipe include:

• Rice. Use long-grain basmati rice, it has a delicious taste and aroma that is also a little nutty and floral. You can substitute with white rice, but it won’t be nearly as flavorful.
• Water. This is what was used, but you can also substitute vegetable or chicken broth for a more classic rice pilaf recipe. If you do, make sure you adjust the amount of salt added accordingly.
• Onion. Sweet onion was used and is recommended. You can also use yellow or white onion.
• Spices. Turmeric gives this rice a yellow color, cumin an earthy taste, and paprika for a slightly sweet heat.
• Herbs. Fresh herbs are key, use both cilantro and parsley. Flat-leaf parsley is preferred, but curly leaf can be used.
• Nuts. Get the perfect crunch with toasted pine nuts. You can also use coarsely chopped and toasted almonds or leave the nuts out completely if allergic.

How to Make

Dietary Modifications

The recipe you’ll find below is already gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free as written. Here are some adjustments and substitutions you can make to help it fit your other dietary requirements:

• Nut-free – Leave out the pine nuts.

Meal Prep and Storage

• To Prep-Ahead: This rice is best if made just before serving. You can measure out the spices and chop the fresh herbs if you want to get ahead the day before.
• To Store: Keep leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
• To Freeze: This freezes great in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 4-6 months.
• To Reheat: Either warm up this rice in the microwave, or add to a skillet with a little oil and water.

FAQS

Expert Tips and Tricks

• Toast a little bit. This releases the aromatics of the spices before adding in the rice and water.
• Keep an eye on them. Pine nuts can burn quickly when toasting, so watch closely.
• Fresh is best. Use fresh herbs instead of dried for the best flavor.
• Cook to serve. This rice has the best texture when cooked just before serving.

What to Serve with Mediterranean Rice

All of the following recipes make a perfect pairing with this Greek rice:

Greek Chicken Shish Kabobs

Easy Greek Turkey Meatballs

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Greek Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Mediterranean Couscous Salad

5 from 9 votes

Mediterranean Yellow Rice Recipe

This quick and easy Mediterranean Yellow Rice Recipe results in the most flavorful and fluffy rice! Add toasted pine nuts for a crunch and serve this vegan Greek pilaf as a side dish along with kebobs, lamb koftas, or grilled veggies.

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Course Side Dish

Cuisine Greek, Mediterranean

Keyword gluten free, greek, pine nuts, side

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Servings 8

Calories 197 kcal

London Brazil

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. oil olive or avocado
• ½ sweet onion finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic crushed
• ¾ tsp. turmeric
• ¼ tsp. cumin
• ¼ tsp. paprika
• 1 ¼ tsp. salt to taste
• 1 ½ cups basmati rice rinsed and drained
• 2 ¼ cups water
• 2 Tbsp. cilantro finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp. parsley flat-leaf, finely chopped
• ¼ cup pine nuts toasted

Instructions

1. 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.
2. Mix in turmeric, cumin, paprika, and salt. Toast until fragrant. (About 1 minute.)
3. 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.
4. Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until rice is tender and fluffy.

5. Remove the pot from the heat and mix in chopped cilantro, parsley, and toasted pine nuts. Serve immediately with some Lamb Koftas and Tzatziki sauce and enjoy!

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

• You can also use toasted almonds instead.
• To Store: Keep leftover rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.
• To Freeze: This freezes great in a freezer-safe airtight container for up to 4-6 months.

Nutrition Facts

Mediterranean Yellow Rice Recipe

Amount Per Serving

Calories 197 Calories from Fat 63

% Daily Value*

Fat 7g11%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 3g

Monounsaturated Fat 3g

Sodium 308mg13%

Potassium 137mg4%

Carbohydrates 30g10%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 1g1%

Protein 3g6%

Vitamin A 640IU13%

Vitamin C 7mg8%

Calcium 26mg3%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.