Mediterranean Rice | The Most Flavorful Rice You'll Ever Make

This Mediterranean rice recipe combines savory onions and garlic with delicate spices to make a perfectly seasoned side dish. With just a couple of ingredients - and a single pan - you can have this flavorful and nutritious dish ready in under 30 minutes!

My Take On Mediterranean Rice

This delicious recipe makes the perfect Greek yellow rice. It combines aromatic spices with toasted pine nuts, onion, and garlic. I think the flavor is unmatched, and this is easily one of my favorite rice recipes. 

Honestly, all that's missing from this one pot side dish is the main course!

This Greek rice is so much more exciting than plain rice, and I love serving it with other Mediterranean recipes like this Halal Cart chicken. But it also goes really well with practically anything like these chicken birria tacos and these blackened salmon bites.

Oh, and this rice dish is similar to this turmeric rice, so if you like rice, you'll definitely want to check that out next!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

It's easy to make. All you have to do is cook the onion and garlic along with the spices, toast the rice, then let everything boil. This cooked rice is effortless to whip up!

The flavor is amazing. All of the spices and seasonings in this recipe combine to create a flavor you can't get in any other rice recipe.

You can eat it with everything. Serve it on the side with this falafel or air fryer mahi mahi, or mix it with this Qdoba chicken and spicy hummus. It's so versatile!

Ingredients

The ingredient list for this Mediterranean rice recipe is pretty simple, with aromatic spices playing the starring role.

Anyway, here's everything you need to make Mediterranean yellow rice:

• 1 tbsp. Olive Oil
• ½ cup Onion, small
• 1 Garlic Clove, chopped
• 1 tsp. Ground Cumin Powder
• 1 tsp. Turmeric Powder
• 1 ½ cups White Long Grain Rice
• 2 ¼ cups Water or Chicken Broth
• Salt and Pepper
• ¼ cup Pine Nuts
• Fresh Cilantro, chopped

Now, I recommend using basmati rice to make this Mediterranean rice recipe. Not only is it incredibly aromatic but it's so easy to cook too. However, if you can't find basmati rice, feel free to use any white rice, brown rice, or yellow rice.

Oh, and if this ingredient list has you wanting some more rice recipes, you have to give this cajun rice and Instant Pot sushi rice a try next!

How To Make Mediterranean Rice

The process of making this Mediterranean rice is actually really easy. And it's way more flavorful than any rice you'd get from the store.

So, let's not waste any more time and make this Mediterranean rice!

Step 1: Cook The Onions and Garlic

The first thing you're going to do is heat a medium-sized pot on medium-high heat and add the olive oil to it.

Once the oil heats up, add the onions and garlic and cook for 5 minutes. And make sure to give them a stir every minute or so.

Step 2: Add The Spices

Next, you'll want to add the cumin and turmeric powder to the pot and cook for 5 minutes more.

Then, add the rice and give it a mix to combine with the seasonings. Now let it toast for around 2 minutes.

Step 3: Cook The Rice

So, when the seasonings are good to go, you can add the water or chicken broth and a pinch of salt and pepper to the pot.

Then, bring the water to a boil, and once it starts boiling, turn the heat to medium-low, cover the pot and cook for around 12 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

To finish up, toast the pine nuts and serve the rice with the pine nuts and fresh chopped cilantro or any fresh herbs on top.

As for the finishing touches, I sometimes like to add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice on top to brighten up the flavors.

But, this Mediterranean yellow rice is delicious just as it is, so enjoy.

How I Recommend Storing Mediterranean Rice

As good as this side dish is, it makes for perfect leftovers. In fact, I think it might be even better heated up the next day.

Also, this yellow rice recipe will make about 4 servings, so if you're serving it as a side, you'll probably have some leftovers.

If you do, you can store the leftover cooked rice in an airtight container after it cools completely and keep it in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Or you can keep the leftover Mediterranean rice in the freezer for up to 8 months. 

How I Reheat Mediterranean Rice

Now, if you've ever tried reheating leftover rice before, you know it's easy to dry it out.

That's why I recommend adding a spoonful of water (or an ice cube) to your rice before placing it in the microwave and covering it with wax paper, parchment paper, or a paper towel. Doing this will steam your rice, heating it up without drying it out. It's the secret to perfect fluffy rice leftovers.

So, to reheat your rice in the microwave, just cook it in 30-second increments until thoroughly heated.

However, you can also cook your leftover rice on the stovetop in a pot set over medium heat. Again, just add a splash of water and occasionally stir until thoroughly heated.

FAQS About This Mediterranean Rice Recipe

Is Mediterranean rice good for you?

Yes, Mediterranean rice is good for you, thanks to the turmeric powder. Turmeric has a variety of health benefits, such as being an anti-inflammatory, making this a super healthy rice recipe.

What type of rice is used in Mediterranean diet?

The Mediterranean diet mostly includes brown rice since it is slower digesting. You can use brown rice to make this recipe, and it'll be delicious!

Is white rice part of Mediterranean diet?

White rice typically isn't part of the Mediterranean diet since it is a refined grain that's low in fiber.

More Of My Favorite Side Dish Recipes

• Jollof rice
• Instant Pot sushi rice
• Stick of butter rice
• Jalapeno poppers
• Uncle Roger egg fried rice
• Air fryer okra
• Red Lobster brussel sprouts