Authentic Mediterranean Yellow Rice

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This Mediterranean yellow rice is full of flavor, healthy and delicious. Needing just a few ingredients, this aromatic, authentic Mediterranean rice is ready in 20 minutes and works perfectly as a side dish to any meat, fish or curry dish.

Why Make This Mediterranean Rice Dish

• Uses lots of different spices in an interesting way
• Easy to make – everything is cooked in just one pan
• Uses ingredients you most likely have on hand already (or can get in most supermarkets)
• Ready in 20 minutes, making it ideal during the week when you don’t have enough time
• Adds a lot more flavor than standard boiled rice
• Works well as a side dish for many types of dishes, particularly curries

Substitutions for Mediterranean Rice

• Butter for Olive Oil – since this a recipe that should be suitable for a Mediterranean diet, we wanted to make this as healthy as possible. Olive oil is a far healthier ingredient to use than butter, containing lots of healthy unsaturated fats. However, butter can also be used instead, but does add more saturated fat to the rice.
• Garlic Powder for Garlic Cloves – 8 garlic cloves correspond to 1 tsp garlic powder. In this recipe, that equates to 1/2 tsp garlic powder. If you combine 
• Cayenne Pepper for Chili Pepper – if you want to really simplify this recipe, then you can substitute the cayenne pepper for the chili. Just add this to the pan when you add the rest of the spices. You can substitute 1 tsp cayenne pepper for 1 pepper.
• Sultanas for Raisins – sultanas are typically slightly sweeter than raisins and do a similar job as the raisins in this recipe by providing some sweetness. However, feel free to experiment with other dried fruit such as apricots or dried cranberries.
• Brown Rice for Basmati Rice – you can make this with brown rice instead of white. However, brown rice needs far more time to cook (roughly 30-35 minutes) and more water to boil in (extra ½ cup or 120ml water). Other long grain rice instead of basmati rice can be used though.

Mediterranean Rice Ingredients

To make this Mediterranean rice recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients for 4 servings:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 350g basmati rice
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 chili pepper
• 2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp cumin
• 500ml water
• 50g raisin
• 1 tsp salt

Storing Instructions

Leftover Mediterranean rice can stay good in the fridge for 3-4 days when covered and up to 3 months frozen. Resealable bags are great for freezing rice at room temperature.

If reheating from frozen, you can add a few tbsp water before reheating in a microwave-safe bowl or stove, rather than letting it defrost.

See the USDA Freezing and Food Safety for more freezing tips.

To reheat from frozen, defrosting the rice isn’t necessary. Add a few tablespoons of water before reheating it in a pot on the stove or in a microwave-safe bowl.

What to Serve with Mediterranean Rice

This Mediterranean rice recipe works well with meat, grilled vegetable and curry dishes. Some great pairings include:

• Beef Kababs
• Chicken Curry
• Lamb Balti

How to Make This Mediterranean Rice

Step 1 – Add olive oil to a saucepan and leave on a medium-low heat. In the meantime, crush the garlic and cut the chilis.

Notes – If you want the rice to be less sticky, rinse the rice in cold water for 15-20 minutes beforehand.

Step 2 – Add the garlic, chilis, turmeric, cinnamon, cumin and raisins to the pan and cook for a minute.

Step 3 – Pour the water into the saucepan, add the salt then heat until the water starts to boil.

Step 4 – Once the water starts boiling, reduce to medium heat, add the rice and salt, cover the pan and cook until the water is absorbed. This should take between 10-12 minutes. 

Notes – You can check whether the water has been absorbed by moving the rice with a fork. Using a fork ensures you don’t break the grains.

Step 5 – Serve as a side dish to any recipe of your choice.

Cooking Notes

• If you want the rice to be less sticky, be sure to wash the rice well before you add to the pan. Do this by soaking the rice in cold water for 15-20 minutes beforehand, then drain well. This gets rid of as much starch as possible.
• If you want more flavor, use vegetable or chicken stock. You can also add vegetables such as sweetcorn, peas or diced carrots. Add these veggies 
• If making with brown rice, you’ll need to boil the rice for 30-35 minutes total instead of 10-12 minutes. You’ll also need to add an extra ½ cup or 120ml water.

Yield: 4

Mediterranean Yellow Rice

Print

Full of aromatic spices and ready in 20 minutes, this Mediterranean rice recipe is an excellent accompaniment to any meat, fish, curry or grilled vegetable dish.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 350g basmati rice
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 chili
• 2 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp cumin
• 500ml water
• 50g raisin
• 1 tsp salt

Instructions

Step 1 - Add olive oil to a saucepan and leave on a medium-low heat. In the meantime, crush the garlic and cut the chili pepper.

Step 2 - Add the garlic, chili pepper, turmeric, cinnamon, cumin and raisins to the pan and cook for a minute.

Step 3 - Pour the water into the saucepan, add the salt then heat until the water starts to boil.

Step 4 - Once the water starts boiling, reduce to medium heat, cover the pan and cook until the water is absorbed. This should take between 10-12 minutes. 

Step 5 - Serve as a side dish to any recipe of your choice.

Notes

If you want the rice to be less sticky, be sure to wash the rice well before you add to the pan. Do this by soaking the rice in cold water for 15-20 minutes beforehand, then drain well. This gets rid of as much starch as possible.

If you want more flavor, use vegetable or chicken stock. You can also add vegetables such as sweetcorn, peas or diced carrots. Add these veggies 

If making with brown rice, you'll need to boil the rice for 30-35 minutes total instead of 10-12 minutes. You'll also need to add an extra ½ cup or 120ml water.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

4
Amount Per Serving Calories 398Total Fat 4.4gSaturated Fat 0.7gCholesterol 0mgSodium 592mgCarbohydrates 82gFiber 2gSugar 8gProtein 7g

Want More Delicious, Mediterranean Style Recipes?

If you’ve cooked this recipe, be sure to leave a comment or review! But if you’re looking for more:

1. Find more Mediterranean-style recipes on our website.
2. Try our free 7 day Mediterranean diet plan with 20 recipes.
3. Get our 4-week Mediterranean diet plan, Med in 28 plan, that makes following the Mediterranean diet a breeze!