Description
This Mediterranean Yellow Rice recipe is a flavorful and aromatic side dish featuring basmati rice infused with turmeric, cumin, and paprika. Enhanced with fresh herbs and crunchy toasted pine nuts, it’s the perfect complement to Mediterranean dishes like lamb koftas or Greek chicken kabobs.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- ½ sweet onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 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
Finishing Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp. parsley (flat-leaf), finely chopped
- ¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
Instructions
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add olive oil and diced onion to a medium-sized pot over medium heat. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Then add the minced garlic and continue sautéing for another minute to release its aroma.
- Add and Toast Spices: Stir in turmeric, cumin, paprika, and salt. Toast the spices in the pot for about 1 minute until fragrant to enhance their flavors.
- Add Water and Rice: Pour in the water, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. Add the rinsed basmati rice and stir well to combine.
- Cook the Rice: Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. 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 finely chopped cilantro, parsley, and toasted pine nuts to add freshness and crunch. Serve immediately alongside Mediterranean mains like lamb koftas or Greek chicken kabobs with tzatziki sauce.
Notes
- Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- To toast pine nuts, dry roast them in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Adjust salt according to your preference; you can also use low-sodium options.
- For a nut-free version, omit the pine nuts or substitute with toasted sunflower seeds.
- This rice pairs exceptionally well with grilled meats and yogurt-based sauces like tzatziki.
