Mediterranean yellow rice is a vibrant and flavorful rice dish made using a selection of Mediterranean herbs and spices including turmeric, saffron, and oregano. This aromatic dish is the perfect side to your favorite main meal. Whether served as a comforting side or as the center of a main meal, Mediterranean Yellow Rice is loaded with Mediterranean flavors.
This easy 30-minute recipe makes a large rice serving ideal for 4-6 people as a side, or for 2-3 people as a main (we’ll give you some ingredient ideas at the end to quickly turn this into a satisfying main).
Table of contents:
Origin of Mediterranean Yellow Rice
Mediterranean yellow rice, also known as arroz amarillo in Spanish cuisine and sometimes just called saffron rice (although the original dish comes from Asia), has roots in both Mediterranean and Middle Eastern culinary traditions.
In the Med, it’s more of a regional dish as it’s not 100% clear which country it originated in, but it’s likely Spain, Italy, or Greece. They have a long history of rice cultivation and use in their cuisine and yellow rice could be an adaptation of traditional rice dishes, like paella from Spain or Greek pilafs.
Saffron, one of the key ingredients that gives the rice its distinctive yellow color and subtle flavor, has been cultivated for thousands of years in regions such as Persia (modern-day Iran), Spain, and India. Turmeric is also essential to yellow rice both for the vibrant yellow it coats the rice with and the subtle flavor.
Variations of Mediterranean Yellow Rice (Saffron Rice)
Over time, variations of saffron rice emerged in different cultures, incorporating local spices, herbs, and ingredients. For example, in Spanish cuisine, saffron rice is often flavored with garlic, onions, and sometimes bell peppers or tomatoes. In Middle Eastern cuisine, it may include spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.
The versatility and simplicity of saffron rice made it a popular side dish or base for many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern meals, accompanying a wide range of meat, seafood, and vegetable dishes. Today, Mediterranean yellow rice remains a staple in these cuisines and has also been embraced in international fusion cuisine, where it continues to evolve and adapt to new culinary influences.
![A large dish of Mediterranean Yellow Rice](https://happymediterranean.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Mediterranean-yellow-rice-hero-v6-1200x800-1.jpg)
How to Make Mediterranean Yellow Rice
Good news, Mediterranean yellow rice is very easy to make with just one pot on the stovetop and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. It’s tasty, vibrant, and the perfect side dish for your favorite main. Yellow rice is also healthy and vegan-friendly and is a great source of carbs and iron. The quantities in our recipe below serves 4-6 people as a side dish or 2-3 as a main.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:
Ingredients
- 2 cups of long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup of onion diced
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon of oregano
- 2-3 tablespoons flax seeds (or your choice of nuts or seeds)
- 10 saffron strands
- A small handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 Lemons
Equipment
- Large pot with lid (around 8-10 inches/20-25cm)
- Kitchen towel
- Kitchen knife and cutting board
Instructions
Step 1 – Infuse Saffron threads
- Add the juice from 1 lemon and the saffron threads to a small glass or jar. Give it a little swirl and set aside for 5 minutes. The saffron will infuse with the juice and release its color.
Step 2 – Saute onions, garlic, and spices
- Add the olive oil to a medium-sized pot on high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion.
- Saute the onions until golden (5 minutes). Add the garlic, herbs, and spices and mix well. Reduce heat to medium.
Step 3 – Add Rice and nuts/seeds
- Add the rice and mix well, continue to stir until the rice becomes coated in oil and spices and slightly translucent (2 minutes).
- Add the water and the lemon juice with saffron and bring it to a simmer. Season to taste with salt (1 minute).
- Once bubbling, give everything a good stir, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot.
- Simmer until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender (about 10-12 minutes). You should see no more bubbles on the surface.
Step 4 – Steam rice, season, and serve
- Remove the pot from the heat and remove the lid. Mix in the nuts or seeds.
- Cover with a kitchen towel and allow to stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork to separate the grains.
- Right before serving, give the rice a good squeeze of lemon juice, add some freshly chopped parsley, and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Cooking tips:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Start with good quality long-grain rice like Italian Lungo rice or jasmine rice. Use fresh spices like turmeric, saffron, and paprika for an authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- Toasting the Rice: Before adding water or broth, toast the rice in the olive oil and spices. This step adds depth of flavor to the dish. Just be careful not to burn it; you want a golden color.
- Aromatics: Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers (if you want to add more veg and color) before adding the rice. This builds a flavorful base for your dish.
- Turmeric and Saffron: Both turmeric and saffron are traditional spices used to give the rice its characteristic yellow hue. Turmeric is more affordable and easier to find, while saffron offers a more complex flavor. Combined, you get the best of both worlds.
- Seasoning: Season the rice with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other spices like cumin, coriander, or cinnamon for extra depth. Just consider what you’re pairing the rice with and whether the stronger spices will go well.
- Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the cooked rice for a burst of freshness and color. You can also add toasted nuts like almonds or pine nuts for crunch.
- Fluff your rice: Once the rice is cooked, let it sit covered with a kitchen towel for a few minutes off the heat. Then, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains and release excess steam.
![A large dish of Mediterranean Yellow Rice](https://happymediterranean.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/mediterranean-yellow-rice-pin-v1-1200x1800-1-1199x1800.jpg)
Serving Suggestions
- Greek Chicken Souvlaki: Chicken souvlaki is a classic recipe that is super easy to prepare. Chicken souvlaki is a popular Greek dish that consists of small pieces of juicy marinated chicken that’s grilled or pan-fried on skewers.
- Baked Salmon: Oven-baked salmon seasoned with lemon, herbs, and olive oil, served with a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant.
- Falafel Platter: Homemade falafel served with a creamy tzatziki sauce, tabbouleh salad, and a side of pita bread.
- Mediterranean Veggie Wrap: Fill a whole wheat wrap with roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes, along with yellow rice, feta cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
- Lamb Kebabs: Grilled lamb skewers seasoned with Mediterranean spices like oregano, garlic, and paprika, served with a side of Greek salad and tzatziki sauce.
- Chickpea or Veg & Lentil Stew: A hearty stew made with chickpeas or lentils plus tomatoes, spinach, and Mediterranean spices like cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika, served over a bed of Mediterranean yellow rice.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Roasted bell peppers stuffed with a mixture of ground turkey or beef, yellow rice, tomatoes, onions, and Mediterranean herbs like parsley and mint, served with a side of Greek yogurt.
- Grilled Vegetable Platter: Seasonal vegetables such as asparagus, mushrooms, and squash grilled and served with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, alongside Mediterranean yellow rice and a side of Melitzanosalata (Greek eggplant dip).
- Spanish Meatballs: Spanish meatballs (called ‘Albondigas’ in Spanish) are delicious meaty morsels that are best when served in a rich flavorsome tomato sofrito sauce. Perfect when served with rice to mop up the tasty sauce.
Mediterranean Yellow Rice as a Main Meal
Yellow rice is easy to make into a main meal with just a few extra ingredients. Here are a few suggestions on how to stretch your Mediterranean yellow rice with a few simple ingredients.
- Grilled chicken breast or thighs – Add a protein boost by bulking up this recipe with some grilled chicken breast or thighs.
- Chickpeas – A classic ingredient from the Mediterranean. Chickpeas will add an earthy dense flavor to your yellow rice recipe. Use store-bought canned chickpeas to save some time. Simply add them once the rice is cooked, mix, and serve. Chickpeas are super healthy, and loaded with plant-based protein, plus they’re cheap keeping this recipe budget-friendly.
- Roasted pumpkin/squash – Roasted pumpkin and/or squash are a great way to add some color and flavor to your yellow rice recipe. Simply cube your pumpkin into 1-inch pieces, season with your choice of spices (sweet, hot, or smoky paprika work well, as does cumin), and roast for 35-45 minutes.
- Tinned tuna – You can add a tin of tuna (or other tinned fish) to your yellow rice and you’ve got yourself a meal. Always try to purchase tuna or tinned fish with extra virgin olive oil for the healthiest option.
Rice Substitution
Brown rice or quinoa – For those looking for a healthier alternative to white rice, brown rice or quinoa are both good options. Sure the color may not be as vibrant, but there are plenty of health benefits associated with brown rice or quinoa that make it well worth considering.
Typically, for every cup of brown rice, use 2 cups of water. Cooking time will also be slightly longer so allow a few extra minutes for the rice to properly cook and steam. Check the packaging for detailed instructions.
Brown Rice/Water ratio = 1 cup rice/2 cups water
![A large dish of Mediterranean Yellow Rice](https://happymediterranean.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Mediterranean-yellow-rice-close-1200x800-1.jpg)
Nutrition Facts
Serving size: side servings | |
Servings: 6 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 292 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 6g | 8% |
Saturated Fat 0.9g | 5% |
Cholesterol 0mg | 0% |
Sodium 7mg | 0% |
Total Carbohydrate 53.6g | 20% |
Dietary Fiber 2.4g | 9% |
Total Sugars 1g | |
Protein 5.4g | |
Vitamin D 0mcg | 0% |
Calcium 35mg | 3% |
Iron 4mg | 23% |
Potassium 163mg | 3% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice. |
![A large dish of Mediterranean Yellow Rice](https://happymediterranean.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Mediterranean-yellow-rice-youtube-1280x720-1-320x320.jpg)
Mediterranean Yellow Rice (Vegan, quick & easy 30 min rice)
Equipment
- Large pot with lid (around 8-10 inches/20-25cm)
- Kitchen towel
- Kitchen knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 cups of long-grain white rice rinsed and drained
- 4 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1/2 cup of onion diced
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon of oregano
- 2-3 tablespoons flax seeds or your choice of nuts or seeds
- 10 saffron strands
- A small handful of fresh parsley chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 Lemons
Instructions
Step 1 – Infuse Saffron threads
- Add the juice from 1 lemon and the saffron threads to a small glass or jar. Give it a little swirl and set aside for 5 minutes. The saffron will infuse with the juice and release its color.2 Lemons, 10 saffron strands
Step 2 – Saute onions, garlic, and spices
- Add the olive oil to a medium-sized pot on high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion.1/2 cup of onion diced, 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Saute the onions until golden (5 minutes). Add the garlic, herbs, and spices and mix well. Reduce heat to medium.2 cloves of garlic minced, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder, ½ teaspoon of oregano
Step 3 – Add Rice and nuts/seeds
- Add the rice and mix well, continue to stir until the rice becomes coated in oil and spices and slightly translucent (2 minutes).2 cups of long-grain white rice
- Add the water and the lemon juice with saffron and bring it to a simmer. Season to taste with salt (1 minute).4 cups of water
- Once bubbling, give everything a good stir, reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot.
- Simmer until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender (about 10-12 minutes). You should see no more bubbles on the surface.
Step 4 – Steam rice, season, and serve
- Remove the pot from the heat and remove the lid. Mix in the nuts or seeds.2-3 tablespoons flax seeds
- Cover with a kitchen towel and allow to stand for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork to separate the grains.
- Right before serving, give the rice a good squeeze of lemon juice, add some freshly chopped parsley, and season to taste with salt and pepper.A small handful of fresh parsley, Salt and pepper to taste
Video
Notes
Cooking Tips:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Start with good quality long-grain rice like Italian Lungo rice or jasmine rice. Use fresh spices like turmeric, saffron, and paprika for an authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- Toasting the Rice: Before adding water or broth, toast the rice in the olive oil and spices. This step adds depth of flavor to the dish. Just be careful not to burn it; you want a golden color.
- Aromatics: Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers (if you want to add more veg and color) before adding the rice. This builds a flavorful base for your dish.
- Turmeric and Saffron: Both turmeric and saffron are traditional spices used to give the rice its characteristic yellow hue. Turmeric is more affordable and easier to find, while saffron offers a more complex flavor. Combined, you get the best of both worlds.
- Seasoning: Season the rice with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add other spices like cumin, coriander, or cinnamon for extra depth. Just consider what you’re pairing the rice with and whether the stronger spices will go well.
- Garnishes: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the cooked rice for a burst of freshness and color. You can also add toasted nuts like almonds or pine nuts for crunch.
- Fluff your rice: Once the rice is cooked, let it sit covered with a kitchen towel for a few minutes off the heat. Then, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains and release excess steam.
![A large dish of Mediterranean Yellow Rice](https://happymediterranean.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Mediterranean-yellow-rice-hero-full-1200x800-1.jpg)
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