Easy Mediterranean Rice Recipe
Mediterranean rice is a bright and flavorful side dish made with olive oil, garlic, and herbs. Our recipe pairs perfectly with proteins and vegetables.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- ½ cup sweet onion finely chopped
- 2 tbs garlic finely chopped
- 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 until water runs clear
- 2 Tbsp. parsley flat-leaf finely chopped
- ¼ cup pine nuts toasted
WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?
Instructions
Instructions:
- Add oil and diced onion to a medium-sized pot over medium heat.
- Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the chopped garlic.
- Continue sauteing for another minute, or until fragrant.
- Add the turmeric, cumin, paprika, and salt to the sauteed onion and garlic.
- Mix the ingredients well, and toast until fragrant. (About 1 minute.)
- Pour in water, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any bits that are stuck.
- Add in the rinsed rice and stir before bringing to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low.
- Simmer for 20 minutes, or until rice is tender and fluffy.
- Remove the pot from the heat, and transfer the cooked rice to a serving bowl.
- Add the chopped parsley and toasted pine nuts to the cooked rice.
- Gently use a fork to mix in the parsley and toasted pine nuts, fluffing the rice as you mix. Serve immediately.
Notes
Recipe Variations
- Greek-Style Mediterranean Rice: Add fresh dill, lemon zest, and crumbled feta cheese. A handful of chopped parsley finishes the dish and gives it that classic Greek flavor profile.
- Tomato Mediterranean Rice: Stir in diced tomatoes and a little tomato paste while cooking the rice. The tomato adds color, acidity, and a subtle richness that works well with grilled seafood.
- Olive and Herb Rice: Fold in Kalamata olives, fresh oregano, and parsley just before serving.
- Chickpea Mediterranean Rice: Add cooked chickpeas and toasted cumin for a heartier version.
- Roasted Vegetable Mediterranean Rice: Mix in roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and red onion. The caramelized vegetables add sweetness and make the rice colorful and hearty.
- Lemon Garlic Mediterranean Rice: Increase the garlic and finish the rice with fresh lemon juice and zest.
- Rinse rice before cooking to keep it fluffy.
- Toast the rice in olive oil first for a deeper flavor.
- Fresh herbs make a big difference in the final dish. Add them at the end.
- Add lemon zest along with the juice for a brighter citrus note.
- Finish with high-quality extra virgin olive oil just before serving.
- Toast pine nuts for a restaurant-style garnish.
- Fluff gently with a fork to keep grains separate.
Recipe FAQs Can Mediterranean rice be made ahead of time? Yes. It reheats well and is perfect for meal prep. What type of rice is best for Mediterranean rice? Long-grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine, works best because it cooks up light and fluffy. Can I make this dish vegetarian or vegan? Absolutely. Just use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Can I add protein to Mediterranean rice? You sure can. Chickpeas, grilled chicken, shrimp, or lamb all work well.
Nutrition
Calories: 198kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gSodium: 307mgPotassium: 123mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 391IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 26mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @askchefdennis or tag #askchefdennis!