Description
This Mediterranean Yellow Rice recipe offers a fragrant and colorful side dish that pairs perfectly with Mediterranean-inspired mains like lamb koftas or Greek chicken kabobs. Flavored with turmeric, cumin, and paprika, and accented with fresh herbs and toasted pine nuts, this dish delivers vibrant taste and texture in about 25 minutes total.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- ½ sweet onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
Spices
- ¾ tsp. turmeric
- ¼ tsp. cumin
- ¼ tsp. paprika
- 1 ¼ tsp. salt (or to taste)
Rice and Liquids
- 2 ¼ cups water
- 1 ½ cups basmati rice, rinsed
Finishing Touches
- 2 Tbsp. cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp. flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
Instructions
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced sweet onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and continue sautéing for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Spices: Mix in turmeric, cumin, paprika, and salt. Toast the spices for about 1 minute to release their aromas, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Rice and Water: Pour in the water, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any stuck bits. Add the rinsed basmati rice and stir well to combine.
- Simmer the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes or until the rice is tender and fluffy.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the chopped cilantro, parsley, and toasted pine nuts. Serve immediately alongside dishes like lamb koftas or Greek chicken kabobs with tzatziki sauce for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- Rinsing the basmati rice helps to remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.
- To toast pine nuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently until they turn golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- If you prefer a nuttier flavor, you can substitute pine nuts with slivered almonds or chopped walnuts.
- Adjust salt according to your taste and dietary needs.
- For extra flavor, you can sauté the garlic and onion in butter or a mix of butter and olive oil.
