Mediterranean Yellow Rice Recipe

Name: Mediterranean Yellow Rice Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
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)

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

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.

Gluten-free yellow rice is served for a Mediterranean meal.

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

These are the steps to follow to make this Mediterranean rice recipe:

Sauté the onion and garlic.
Start by adding oil and diced onion to a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Once the onion becomes translucent, add crushed garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the ground spices.
Mix in turmeric, cumin, paprika, and salt until combined. Toast until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Cook until tender and fluffy.
Pour in water and add in the rice. Stir well and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any bits that are stuck. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Mix in fresh herbs and pine nuts.
Remove from the heat and mix in chopped cilantro, parsley, and toasted pine nuts. Enjoy!

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.

A bowl full of yellow rice is served for a gluten-free side dish.

FAQS

What is in Mediterranean yellow rice?

Yellow rice is made with basmati rice, herbs, and gets its’ yellow color from the spice turmeric.

What makes Greek yellow rice yellow in color?

The turmeric adds the yellow color to Mediterranean rice, as well as a wonderful flavor.

What type of rice is used in the Greek food?

Both basmati and jasmine rice are often used in Greek cooking.

What is the difference between white rice and basmati rice?

Basamati rice not only has a longer grain, but it is also much more flavorful than white rice. It has a slightly nutty, floral, and aromatic taste.

Fresh herbs are topped on the Greek Pilaf.

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

White bowl is used to hold the yellow rice.

0 from 0 votes

Print Comment