Mediterranean Yellow Rice (Vegan, quick & easy 30 min rice)
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 star of the meal, Mediterranean Yellow Rice is loaded with Mediterranean flavors.
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.