Mediterranean Yellow Rice is seasoned with garlic, cumin, and cilantro. Easy to make in 30 minutes, this turmeric rice pairs well with any entree. And a sprinkling of pine nuts gives this Mediterranean rice pilaf an extra layer of flavor. This versatile recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
Mediterranean Rice Pilaf
It’s common in the Mediterranean diet to find rice that is flavored with different herbs and spices rather than served plain.
And dishes like this turmeric rice compliment all sorts of entrees and other sides.
For example, you might enjoy it with Mustard Roasted Cauliflower and Lentil Meatloaf Muffins.
But while I often make rice in my Instant Pot electric pressure cooker, making it on the stove is almost as easy and takes about the same total time.
Does rice need to be rinsed before cooking?
I admit that I often forget to do it, but Yes, You Should Be Rinsing Your Rice.
This extra step will result in fluffier rice that doesn’t stick together.
Sticky rice may be fine in Thai desserts and sushi, but that’s not the texture we’re going for here when making Mediterranean Yellow Rice.
How to cook yellow rice on the stove
This stove top method for making Mediterranean rice is really easy.
- Saute onions in olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the spices and rice. Stir for a couple of minutes until the rice starts to turn translucent.
- Stir in the water and bring to a simmer.
- Lower the heat, cover the pot, and allow the rice to cook and absorb the liquid.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Place a clean dish towel under the lid.
- Allow the rice to steam for a few minutes, then fluff it with a fork.
How to make Mediterranean rice pilaf
Once the rice is ready, it’s time to stir in our extras that make this Mediterranean Yellow Rice recipe special.
In this case, we have toasted pine nuts and fresh cilantro.
If you want to make a nut-free pilaf, try adding some hemp seeds instead.
Cooking with turmeric
Turmeric adds a unique flavor and color to recipes.
And it’s also a natural anti-inflammatory.
However, you may notice that this vivid yellow-orange spice has a tendency to color everything it comes in contact with.
That’s great for our Mediterranean Yellow Rice.
But it’s not very desirable when it comes to fabrics, counters, and skin.
If you end up with yellow anywhere it shouldn’t be, check out the guide How to Get Rid of Turmeric Stains Your Dishes, Lines, Counters, and Fingers.
Mediterranean Yellow Rice Recipe
This recipe makes 4 to 6 servings.
Even if you’re cooking for one or two people, I recommend making the entire batch because the leftovers are wonderful reheated.
And it will last refrigerated for a week.
I’ve been known to eat this turmeric rice simply with a side of White Bean Salad with Cherry Tomatoes or Chickpea Cucumber Salad.
But probably my favorite combination is Vegetable Kebabs, this Mediterranean Yellow Rice, and Greek Yogurt Sauce.
And once you try this stove top method for cooking long-grain white rice, you may never go back to your old ways.
Note: if you would like to make this recipe with long-grain brown rice, you will need to add about 1/2 cup extra water. In addition, the cooking time will be longer.
If you love this recipe, please give it 5 stars!
Mediterranean Yellow Rice
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, diced small
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
- 2 1/4 cups water
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 Tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the onions and saute until softened and slightly translucent.
- Add the garlic, cumin, turmeric, salt and pepper, and rice to the pot. Stir frequently for a couple of minutes until the rice starts to look translucent.
- Stir in the water and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the rice to gently simmer until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Lift up the lid and lay a clean dish towel over the top. Replace the lid on top of the towel and allow the rice to steam for 5-10 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and fold in the pine nuts and cilantro. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper, as needed. Serve.
Dena Hamer
If I wanted to use chicken broth instead of water, should I increase the amount of liquid and how much?
Amy Katz
Hi Dena! You can use broth instead of water and keep the amount the same.
Linda
Hi Amy!
I don’t have white rice, only short grain brown. Will that work?
Amy Katz
Hi Linda! For this recipe I recommend you wait until you have white or brown long grain rice. It will be worth it!
Nina
Hi Amy,
Can I try to make this rice using basmati rice instead of long grain??
Thanks,
Nina
Amy Katz
Hi Nina! Yes, you can use basmati rice.
Phil from Georgia
This may be the best rice I’ve ever made. Never tried the towel and 10 minute steam before. It seems to wick away some of the moisture from the cooked rice so it’s not so sticky. I didn’t have pine nuts and substituted parsley for cilantro. Thank you.
Amy Katz
Thank you so much, Phil!
Moe
Can I use basmati tice
Amy Katz
Yes, basmati will work well.
Chari
I made this rice with Jennifer Segal’s Rosemary Chicken and it was FABULOUS!
I’m making this as a side for a wedding reception with 200 people in attendance. Do you think I could make this early in the week (reception on a Saturday) and refrigerate or freeze and still have it taste fresh for the day of the reception?
Amy Katz
Hi Chari! That’s so wonderful! I wouldn’t freeze it, but it can certainly be made ahead and refrigerated for a few days.
Jessica Zovar
What are the pine nuts for?
Amy Katz
They are added to the rice pilaf at the end. You can leave them out if you want.
Maggie Wilson
Hi there!
How do you do this if you were to use the instant pot?
Thanks!
Amy Katz
Hi Maggie! You can saute the onion, garlic, and spices in the olive oil with the Saute function. Then add the rice and saute it briefly. You will only need to add about 1 1/2 cups of water instead of what is listed in the recipe. Then use the Rice function and let the pressure release naturally. Once the pressure is released, remove the lid and stir in the pine nuts and cilantro. I am a big fan of the Instant Pot, but I really like how the rice turns out on the stove with the steaming method using a dish towel. I encourage you to give it a try when you have time!
RG
This was delicious and healthy I added peas instead of pine nuts but everything else the same I’ve made it three or four times. Love this recipe
Amy Katz
Thank you so much! I love peas in rice. What a great substitution!
Ana
Oh my!! This rice is so… good! Better than I’ve ever had at any restaurant. I made mine stove top. Didn’t have pine nuts on hand but will definitely add them next batch.
Super Yummylicious!
Amy Katz
Thank you so much, Ana!