Description
A vibrant and fragrant Mediterranean Yellow Rice recipe featuring basmati rice cooked with aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, and paprika, sautéed onions and garlic, and finished with fresh herbs and toasted pine nuts. Perfect as a flavorful side dish to complement lamb koftas, Greek chicken kabobs, or other Mediterranean dishes.
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)
- 2 ¼ cups water
Sauté Base
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- ½ sweet onion (finely diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
Finishing Touches
- 2 Tbsp. cilantro (finely chopped)
- 2 Tbsp. parsley (flat-leaf, finely chopped)
- ¼ cup pine nuts (toasted)
Instructions
- Saute aromatics: Add olive oil and finely diced sweet onion to a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent. Add minced garlic and continue sautéing for another minute to release its fragrance.
- Toast spices: Mix in turmeric, cumin, paprika, and salt into the pot. Toast these spices with the aromatics for about 1 minute until they become fragrant, which enhances their flavor.
- Add rice and water: Pour the measured water into the pot, scraping the bottom to release any bits stuck to the bottom. Add the rinsed basmati rice, stir to combine all ingredients, and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the rice: Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let the rice simmer gently for 20 minutes or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender and fluffy.
- Finish with herbs and nuts: Remove the pot from the heat. Gently fold in the finely chopped cilantro, parsley, and toasted pine nuts. Serve immediately alongside Mediterranean dishes like lamb koftas or Greek chicken kabobs with tzatziki sauce for a complete meal.
Notes
- Rinse basmati rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- To toast pine nuts, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently until golden brown and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- For extra flavor, you can substitute water with chicken or vegetable broth.
- Adjust salt to taste depending on personal preference or dietary needs.
- Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of water to maintain moisture.
