Hey y’all! If you’re craving a burst of sunshine and flavor in your meal, this Mediterranean Yellow Rice is about to become your new favorite side dish. With its vibrant golden hue from turmeric and a subtle aromatic blend, it’s perfect for anything from busy weeknight dinners to potluck parties and festive spreads. Fluffy, fragrant, and truly satisfying, this rice brings the taste of the Mediterranean straight to your table. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Yellow Rice
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal fuss.
- Vibrant color & flavor: Turmeric and spices create a beautiful, aromatic dish.
- Versatile: Pairs well with countless main courses from grilled meats to stews.
- Family-friendly: Mild yet flavorful, perfect for all ages.
- Gluten-free & vegan-friendly: Naturally fits a variety of dietary needs.
Ingredients
- 2 cups long grain white rice (like Basmati or Jasmine)
- 3 1/2 cups low sodium vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional for warmth)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
- Heat olive oil in a large saucepan or deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until soft and translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Toast Spices and Rice
- Add turmeric, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Stir well for 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
- Add the rice and stir until the grains are coated and slightly toasted, about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Simmer
- Pour in the broth, add the bay leaf, and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
Step 4: Fluff and Serve
- Remove from the heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Remove the bay leaf, drizzle with lemon juice, and fluff with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking for the fluffiest texture.
- For a deeper flavor, sauté the rice until lightly golden before adding broth.
- If using brown rice, increase cooking time by 15-20 minutes and liquid by 1/2 cup.
Variations
- Spanish-Inspired: Add peas and sliced olives for a paella-like twist.
- Lebanese Style: Toss in toasted pine nuts and golden raisins for extra texture and sweetness.
- Herb-Loaded: Mix in a handful of chopped cilantro or dill with the parsley garnish.
Required Equipment
- Large saucepan or deep skillet with lid
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Fine-mesh strainer (for rinsing rice)
Storage Instructions
- Cool completely before storing in an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- To reheat, sprinkle with a splash of water and microwave, or reheat gently in a covered skillet.
- Not recommended for freezing, as texture may become mushy.
Suggested Pairings / Serving Recommendations
- Serve with grilled chicken, roasted lamb, or Mediterranean-style fish.
- Pairs beautifully with falafel, hummus, and a fresh Greek salad.
- Add to a mezze spread alongside pita and roasted vegetables for a festive table.
Pro Tips
- Always let the rice rest off the heat before fluffing for the best texture.
- If using homemade broth, adjust salt to taste once the rice is cooked.
- Use a fork to fluff – a spoon can compress the grains and make the rice sticky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white?
Yes! Use the same process but add about 15-20 minutes to the cooking time and up the liquid to 4 cups.
Is Mediterranean yellow rice spicy?
No, it’s mild and aromatic, but you can add a pinch of cayenne if you like some heat.
Can I prepare Mediterranean yellow rice ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make it a day in advance and reheat with a splash of water – the flavor only gets better.
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
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1Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
-
2Add minced garlic, ground turmeric, and ground cumin. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
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3Add the rice and stir to coat with the spices and oil. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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4Pour in vegetable broth, add salt and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
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5Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
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6Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork and garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
190 caloriescal
Protein:
3 gg
Fat:
4 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
36 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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