Mediterranean Yellow Rice Recipe

Original Post: https://www.evolvingtable.com/mediterranean-yellow-rice/

Mediterranean rice is served with a metal spoon.

4.99 from 61 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 Time5

Cook Time20

Total Time25

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean

Servings:

Author: London Brazil

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.
2 Tbsp. olive oil, ½ sweet onion, 3 cloves garlic
Mix in turmeric, cumin, paprika, and salt. Toast until fragrant. (About 1 minute.)
¾ tsp. turmeric, ¼ tsp. cumin, ¼ tsp. paprika, 1 ¼ tsp. salt
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.
2 ¼ cups water, 1 ½ cups basmati rice
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!
2 Tbsp. cilantro, 2 Tbsp. parsley, ¼ cup pine nuts

Video

Notes

Recipe Tips:

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.

How to Store & Reheat Leftovers

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