Lightly seasoned with garlic, cumin, and cilantro, vibrant turmeric yellow Mediterranean rice is an easy 30 minute vegan side dish.
It's common in a Mediterranean diet to find rice that is flavored with different herbs and spices. And dishes like this turmeric rice compliment all sorts of entrees from Mediterranean Tofu Tacos to Vegan Meatloaf Muffins.
You'll love this recipe because:
- The texture is perfectly fluffy.
- It's an easy alternative to plain rice.
- You can make it in half an hour on your stove without any special equipment.
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Ingredients
As with many recipes, this one starts with staples like olive oil, onion, and garlic. Then you'll only need a few other ingredients which you may already have in your kitchen:
- Ground cumin: This spice provides a warm, earthy flavor.
- Turmeric powder: A little goes a long way, providing flavor and color. It's what gives curry powder it's golden hue.
- Long-grain white rice: Look for rice labeled "long-grain" or Jasmine. (Long-grain brown rice can also be used but will require more water and extra cooking time.)
- Pine nuts and fresh cilantro: These are optional, but are wonderful complements to the flavors of this recipe. If you don't want to add them, simply leave them out, or try hemp seeds and parsley as substitutions.
Anthony's Turmeric Powder
- Organic, Non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free
- Resealable bag
- High purity
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements plus recipe instructions, please see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Instructions
- 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.
Serving suggestions
Try this recipe as part of a meal with Vegetable Kebabs and Greek Yogurt Sauce. It's also wonderful with Sauteed Zucchini and Tomatoes, Greek salad, and homemade hummus.
More unique rice recipes
Looking for more alternatives to plain rice? Try some of these favorites:
- Chickpea Rice Pilaf
- Brown Rice Salad
- Basmati Rice Pilaf with Chickpeas and Dried Fruit
- Coconut Jasmine Rice
And for even more delicious vegan recipes, join the Insider List and receive a FREE recipe ebook! You can also follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and join the Vegan Mediterranean Diet Recipes Facebook Group.
Storing and freezing
Leftover Mediterranean rice can be covered and refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. I like to use a resealable bag for freezing room-temperature rice.
To reheat from frozen, defrosting the rice isn't necessary. Add a few tablespoons of water before reheating it in a pot on the stove or in a microwave-safe bowl.
For tips on freezing, refer to USDA Freezing and Food Safety.
FAQ
While I admit I often forget this step, rinsing the rice before cooking will result in fluffier rice that won't stick together.
Yes, you can make this recipe with long-grain brown rice instead of white. You will need to add an extra half cup of water, and the rice will take a little longer to cook.
Typically long-grain white rice is used.
If you love this recipe, please give it 5 stars! ★★★★★
📋 Recipe
Mediterranean Yellow Rice
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup onion, diced small
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed and drained
- 2 ¼ cups water
- ¼ 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.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimation only.
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Jorge Rivas
The recipe is excellent but i'd like to shout out the "cook mode" feature that prevents your screen from timing out when you're cooking. Such a small detail that adds a lot of value when you don't need to monitor your screen every second
Amy Katz
Thank you so much, Jorge!
Bailey
I used brown rice and added a bit more water, otherwise kept everything the same. I did find it a little bland, and will add more seasoning next time.
Adriana
Really good made 2 changes instead of cumin used Peprika and lemon juice
Amy Katz
Glad you enjoyed it, Adriana!
Ian
I made this and i’m not sure if i messed up. I’m used to a more flavorful rice but mine was relatively bland. Still good, but just a bit bland. Is it supposed to taste like that or did i mess up?
Amy Katz
It could be that your spices aren't fresh. Jarred herbs and spices lose their flavor over time. But maybe it's just not what you were expecting.
Priti
Looking fwd to making this tomorrow night! I’m going to add hemp seeds instead of pine nuts - do you suggest roasting the hemp seeds as well? Thanks!
Amy Katz
Hemp seeds will work well. You don't need to roast them.
Eric Pagan
Thanks for the update with the rice cooker!
Amy Katz
You're welcome!
VIVIAN
ONLY CHANGE I MADE WAS TO USE PARSLEY. GREAT DISH
Amy Katz
That's wonderful to hear, thanks Vivian!
sharon garofalow
This sounds delicious! I've been looking for new side dishes to try and this one looks fabulous!
Amy Katz
Thank you, Sharon! I hope you enjoy it. 🙂
Breanna
As a busy mom I still stick to my rice cooker, any way you have directions for yellow rice in a rice cooker?! I don’t own a Dutch oven
Amy Katz
Absolutely! On your stove in a pan, saute the onion, garlic, and spices first. Then add them to your rice cooker along with the rice and the amount of water designated by your rice cooker. Once the rice is done, add the pine nuts and cilantro. Enjoy!
Lj
So easy, so delicious! No changes needed!
Amy Katz
I'm so happy you enjoyed it!