This easy and delicious Mediterranean rice is fluffy and flavorful rice made with savory onions and garlic, and lots of delicious spices.
This vibrant and flavorful yellow Mediterranean rice dish is a must-try for any lover of Mediterranean cuisine.
Infused with the warm spices and fragrant herbs that are the hallmark of the region, this rice makes for a satisfying and versatile side or base for a variety of main courses.
The rice grains are cooked to fluffy perfection, with each bite offering a symphony of flavors - from the earthy turmeric to the bright notes of cumin.
Whether served alongside grilled seafood, roasted vegetables, or your favorite Mediterranean-inspired protein, this yellow rice is sure to transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean.
For more delicious side dishes, check out my roasted cauliflower with tahini, crispy baked carrot fries, tomato burrata salad, roasted cabbage steaks, and crispy greek fries.
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Why this recipe works
- Flavor- this rice is full of flavor from the spices. It is made with turmeric, cumin, sautéed onion, garlic, which gives this rice a delicious savory flavor.
- Healthy- this rice is made with turmeric which combat inflammation, support cognitive function, and even promote glowing skin.
- Time- this delicious rice dish is made in under an hour from start to finish and is the perfect side dish next to your favorite protein like grilled chicken, fish, or even tofu.
- Alternative to plain rice- if you want to swap up your plain rice and spice it up, make this easy and delish rice that is flavorful and goes perfectly with so many main dishes.
- Allergy friendly- this rice is dairy free, gluten free, vegan, and is perfect if you are allergic to dairy or gluten and want a tasty side dish.
Ingredients
Before you start to make this recipe, measure and prepare your ingredients so the cooking process will go smoothly and efficiently.
Full measurements are in the recipe card below.
White rice- I love using jasmine rice, which you can find in most stores, but you can use your favorite kind of white rice like basmati rice!
Olive oil- use extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. If you don't want to use olive oil, you can use avocado oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil!
Black pepper- for flavor. Adjust the black pepper to your personal liking.
Garlic powder- use your favorite brand of garlic powder. You will need 1 teaspoon for this recipe.
Chicken stock- I used chicken stock for this rice but you can make this vegan by using vegetable broth instead.
Dried parsley- use your favorite brand of dried parsley for this.
Garlic- freshly minced garlic will give you the best flavor for any dish. I highly recommend not using frozen minced garlic.
Onion- chop a whole onion into small pieces and fry them in the olive oil until they are soft. You can use red onion if you don't have white onion.
Cumin- has a distinctive spice with its earthy, slightly nutty aroma, and adds lots of flavor to this dish.
Turmeric- is a healthy spice that adds a yellow flavor to this rice and can be found in any grocery store.
Fresh cilantro- I love topping this dish with freshly chopped cilantro for extra freshness and flavor. You can also use parsley if you don't like cilantro.
Instructions
Peel and slice your onion into small cubes. Heat a large pot (or a large Dutch oven) over medium heat with the oil and add the onion. Sauté the onion until it's soft and a little golden brown.
Add the minced garlic and mix it with a wooden spoon until it's cooked through. Do not burn it.
Add the turmeric, cumin, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried parsley, and mix until well combined. Cook it for a few minutes to release the flavors.
Add the rinsed rice and mix it until its well combined.
Add the broth and let it simmer over medium-high heat until it's bubbling. Cover the pot with the lid and lower the heat to its lowest heat. Cook for 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, open the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Cover again and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips
- Toast the spices. Gently toasting the spices in a bit of oil or butter before adding the rice will help release their essential oils and deepen the flavor.
- Toast the rice. While you can technically do without it, you shouldn’t skip this step. Toasting the rice adds a nutty flavor to the dish.
- Try different fruits and nuts. Consider using raisins or cranberries and sliced almonds or toasted pine nuts.
- Cook with broth, not water. Chicken or vegetable broth will infuse the rice with rich, savory notes.
- Let it rest. Allowing the rice to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving ensures each grain remains distinct.
- Serve it hot. This rice is best enjoyed immediately, while it's still steaming and fragrant.
- Sauté the onions. Cooking the onions until softened and lightly browned adds a sweet, caramelized note to the rice.
- Fluff and rest. Gently fluff the cooked rice with a fork, then let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with freshness. Top your Mediterranean yellow rice with chopped parsley, lemon wedges, or toasted nuts for a vibrant finishing touch.
Faq's
The combination of white rice, cumin, turmeric, and other aromatic spices not only creates a flavorful dish but also provides a range of health benefits.
From the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric to the digestive support of cumin, Mediterranean rice offers a tasty way to incorporate more wholesome ingredients into your meals.
Contrary to popular belief, rice is a staple food in many Mediterranean cuisines. From the paella of Spain to the risottos of Italy, rice plays a central role in the diverse culinary traditions of the Mediterranean region.
The decision to rinse rice depends on the type of rice and the desired texture. Rinsing can help remove excess starch, resulting in fluffier, less sticky rice.
However, some rice varieties, like sushi rice, actually benefit from retaining their starch content. Ultimately, whether to rinse rice comes down to personal preference and the recipe requirements.
Storing
Store this rice in the fridge sealed tightly in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing
If you would like to freeze this rice dish, you totally can! Simply make it according to the instructions, let it cool to room temperature, and either place it in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap.
Freeze for up to 2 months. Make sure that you are using a freezer-friendly container to keep it fresh.
Thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours or until it's thawed.
Reheating
The most effective way to reheat rice is on the stovetop. Simply add a splash of water or broth to the rice, cover the pan with a lid, and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice is hot and steaming throughout.
This method helps to rehydrate the rice and prevent it from drying out.
Alternatively, you can reheat rice in the microwave. Place the rice in a microwave-safe dish, add a tablespoon or two of water, cover, and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Substitutions
Types of rice- we used white grain rice for this recipe, but you can use basmati rice or any rice of your choice.
Whole grain rice- make this dish healthier and make it with whole grain rice like brown rice.
Variations
Pine nuts- add toasted nuts to the rice after you sauté the onions.
Lemon-herb- in addition to the classic ingredients, stir in lemon zest, chopped parsley, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end.
Tomato-basil- sauté diced tomatoes with onions and garlic. Top the finished rice with fresh basil leaves.
Rice pilaf- toast the rice in oil before simmering in broth for a nutty, fluffy texture. Stir in peas, carrots, and raisins.
Stuffed pepper- stuff bell peppers with the seasoned rice mixture and bake until the peppers are tender.
Rice casserole- bake the rice with chickpeas, olives, feta, and a splash of white wine for a complete meal.
Herbs- feel free to add your favorite herbs to this rice, from fresh herbs to dried herbs.
Chicken- If you want extra protein in your pasta dish, you can add cooked chicken pesto, cast iron chicken, or shredded chicken, mix it with the rest of the ingredients, and bake according to the instructions. This can create a delicious creamy chicken and pasta dish.
Silvered almonds- add silvered almonds or sliced almonds to the rice when serving.
Raisins- add a handful of raisins with the rice and don’t soak them in water beforehand to keep their flavor.
Spicy- if you like your rice spicy, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes!
Serving tips
Next to protein- serve this rice dish next to your favorite protein like our cast iron chicken, grilled chicken legs, creamy chicken limone, air fryer tilapia, and air fryer chicken tenders.
Top it with fresh Herbs and vegetables- garnish the rice with a colorful array of fresh herbs, such as parsley, mint, or cilantro. Complement the flavors with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, or roasted bell peppers.
Rice burrito bowls- serve the rice as a base for black beans, grilled chicken, diced cucumber, and a tangy yogurt sauce.
Stuff it into vegetables- hollow-out bell peppers, zucchini boats, or tomatoes make the perfect vessels for stuffing with the fragrant rice.
Equipment
More side dishes
Baked Greek fries- These crispy Greek fries are tender on the inside and extra crispy on the outside and are coated with dried herbs, lemon zest, garlic, and olive oil.
Crispy Smashed Fingerling Potatoes- These delicious and flavorful smashed fingerling potatoes are fluffy and tender on the inside and crispy on the outside.
Green Beans And Potatoes- These green beans and potatoes are the perfect easy and healthy side dish for any main dish! It takes 30 minutes to make and uses simple ingredients.
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If you liked this recipe
📖 Recipe
Mediterranean Rice (Yellow Rice)
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 large Onion
- 3 cloves Garlic
- 1 tablespoon Turmeric
- ½ teaspoon Cumin
- 2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
- 3 cups Chicken stock or vegetable broth
- 2 cups White rice
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Peel and slice your onion into small cubes. Heat a large pot (or a large Dutch oven) over medium heat with the oil and add the onion. Sauté the onion until it's soft and a little golden brown.
- Add the minced garlic and mix it with a wooden spoon until it's cooked through. Do not burn it.
- Add the turmeric, cumin, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dried parsley, and mix until well combined. Cook it for a few minutes to release the flavors.
- Add the rinsed rice and mix it until its well combined.
- Add the broth and let it simmer over medium-high heat until it's bubbling. Cover the pot with the lid and lower the heat to its lowest heat. Cook for 20 minutes.
- After 20 minutes, open the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Cover again and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Toast the spices. Gently toasting the spices in a bit of oil or butter before adding the rice will help release their essential oils and deepen the flavor.
- Toast the rice. While you can technically do without it, you shouldn’t skip this step. Toasting the rice adds a nutty flavor to the dish.
- Try different fruits and nuts. Consider using raisins or cranberries and sliced almonds or toasted pine nuts.
- Cook with broth, not water. Chicken or vegetable broth will infuse the rice with rich, savory notes.
- Let it rest. Allowing the rice to sit for 5-10 minutes before serving ensures each grain remains distinct.
- Serve it hot. Mediterranean rice is best enjoyed immediately, while it's still steaming and fragrant.
- Sauté the onions. Cooking the onions until softened and lightly browned adds a sweet, caramelized note to the rice.
- Simmer gently. Cook the rice over low heat, allowing it to slowly absorb the flavorful liquid for fluffy, evenly cooked results.
- Fluff and rest. Gently fluff the cooked rice with a fork, then let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with freshness. Top your Mediterranean yellow rice with chopped parsley, lemon wedges, or toasted nuts for a vibrant finishing touch.
Leah says
Made this for a birthday dinner and everyone loved it! (even the non-rice lovers)
Laura says
Made this for dinner with grilled chicken and it turned out delicious!
Gershon says
So good!