Name: Mediterranean Yellow Rice Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups basmati rice (rinsed); ¾ tsp. turmeric; ¼ tsp. cumin; ¼ tsp. paprika; 1 ¼ tsp. salt (to taste); ½ sweet onion (finely diced); 3 cloves garlic (finely minced); 2 Tbsp. cilantro (finely chopped); 2 Tbsp. parsley (flat-leaf, finely chopped); 2 Tbsp. olive oil; 2 ¼ cups water; ¼ cup pine nuts (toasted)

Description

This Mediterranean Yellow Rice recipe offers a vibrant and flavorful side dish infused with aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, and paprika. Perfectly sautéed onions and garlic add depth, while fresh herbs and toasted pine nuts provide a delightful finish. Ideal to accompany grilled meats or Mediterranean-inspired meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice and Spices

1 ½ cups basmati rice (rinsed)
¾ tsp. turmeric
¼ tsp. cumin
¼ tsp. paprika
1 ¼ tsp. salt (to taste)

Vegetables and Herbs

½ sweet onion (finely diced)
3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
2 Tbsp. cilantro (finely chopped)
2 Tbsp. parsley (flat-leaf, finely chopped)

Other Ingredients

2 Tbsp. olive oil
2 ¼ cups water
¼ cup pine nuts (toasted)

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Instructions

Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add olive oil and diced onion to a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion turns translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Add Spices: Stir in turmeric, cumin, paprika, and salt, toasting them for about 1 minute until fragrant. This step enhances the spices’ flavors and infuses the oil and onions.
Add Water and Rice: Pour in the water while scraping the bottom of the pot to lift any stuck bits. Add the rinsed basmati rice and give everything a good stir to combine.
Cook the Rice: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice simmer gently for 20 minutes, or until it is tender and fluffy.
Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped cilantro, parsley, and toasted pine nuts. Serve immediately alongside Lamb Koftas, Greek Chicken Kabobs, or your favorite Mediterranean dishes.

Notes

Rinsing the basmati rice before cooking helps remove excess starch, ensuring fluffier rice.
To toast pine nuts, dry roast them in a small skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring often until golden and fragrant.
If you prefer a nuttier flavor, substitute pine nuts with slivered almonds or chopped cashews.
Adjust salt according to taste, especially if serving with salty accompaniments.
For extra color intensity, you can add a pinch of saffron soaked in warm water during the cooking process.