Mediterranean Yellow Rice Recipe
This Mediterranean yellow rice (also called turmeric rice) is a light, fluffy, one-pot rice dish made with basmati rice, turmeric, garlic, onion, and warm spices. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy side dish is perfect for meal prep and pairs well with grilled chicken, seafood, curries, kebabs, or roasted vegetables.
Servings: 5 servings
Calories: 202kcal
Equipment
- 1 heavy-bottomed pot/pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain basmati rice
- 2 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ cup onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1- inch cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 and ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth or water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Fresh coriander leaves or parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Rinse the basmati rice 2-3 times. Soak it in water for 30 minutes, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until light golden.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Lower the heat and add cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the soaked rice and toss with the spices for 1 minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth (or vegetable broth or water). Add lemon juice and mix.
- Taste the broth and adjust the salt or lemon juice if needed.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and cook on low heat for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. Check after 12 minutes. If the rice isn't cooked and the water has almost dried up, add a little hot water around the sides, cover, and cook until tender.
- Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Garnish with cilantro or parsley. Serve.
Notes
- Rice ratio: Rice varieties absorb liquid at different rates. Check the package instructions for the correct rice-to-liquid ratio.
- White rice: If using white basmati or jasmine rice, use 1.5 cups of broth or water per 1 cup of rice, and cook for 15 minutes on low heat.
- Fluffy rice tip: Rinse and soak the rice for 30 minutes to remove excess starch and help the grains cook evenly.
- Don't skip resting: Let the cooked rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing. This helps keep the grains light and fluffy.
- Broth: Chicken broth adds more flavor than water. If using water, add a chicken bouillon cube for a richer taste. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth or a vegetable bouillon cube.
Nutrition
Serving: 5servings | Calories: 202kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 2g | Sodium: 77mg | Potassium: 113mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg