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–+ servings
Mediterranean rice in a large white bowl.

Yellow Mediterranean Rice Recipe

This Mediterranean rice is a light, fragrant yellow basmati rice infused with warm spices like turmeric and saffron. Naturally colorful and low in calories, it’s an easy rice recipe that pairs well with vegetables, beans, fish, or grilled dishes.
Author: Sheeba
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course LUNCH, Side Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Servings 4
Calories 257.3 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup basmati rice (note 1)
  • a few strands of saffron
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
  • 1 onion
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 inch cinnamon stick
  • 2 cloves
  • 2 pods cardamom
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 bouillon cube (chicken or vegetable)
  • ½ cup mint leaves
  • ½ cup parsley (leaves and tender stems)

STEP BY STEP IMAGES

Scroll back to find detailed recipe photos!

Instructions
 

Soak rice and saffron

  • Soak 1 cup basmati rice in water for about 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Soak a few strands of saffron in 1 tablespoon hot water.

Roast almonds

  • Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a deep pot. Add 2 tablespoons slivered almonds.
  • Roast until brown and aromatic. Remove and keep aside.

3. Sauté aromatics and rice

  • In the same pot, heat the remaining oil and add the whole spices: 2 inch cinnamon stick, 2 cloves2 pods cardamom. Roast for a couple of minutes.
  • Finely chop 1 onion and mince 4 cloves garlic.
  • Add onions to the pot and sauté until translucent. Add minced garlic and stir.
  • When the onions and garlic start to brown, rinse and drain the basmati rice and add. Stir for a couple of minutes.
  • Add ½ teaspoon cayenne, ½ teaspoon turmeric and 1 bouillon cube. Stir until well combined.

4. Boil and simmer

  • Chop ½ cup mint leaves and ½ cup parsley.
  • Add 1½ cups of water, and half of the chopped mint and parsley.
  • Increase the flame to high and bring it to a boil. Cover the pot and reduce the heat.
  • Simmer on low flame for 10 minutes.
  • Switch off the stove and let the rice rest for 5 minutes undisturbed.
  • Open the pot and add the remaining herbs and roasted slivered almonds.
  • Gently fluff the rice with a fork and serve.

Video

Notes

  1. Rice: The instructions given here is for Basmati rice. You can use any long grain rice, provided you take note of the quantity of water and the cooking time from the package instructions. They might vary significantly.
  2. Roasting almonds: You can add more richness by roasting the almonds in butter instead of oil.
  3. Bouillon cube: You can substitute bouillon and water with 1½ cups of stock.
Nutrition Facts
Yellow Mediterranean Rice Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
257.3
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
6.6
g
10
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.8
g
5
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
1.2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
4.3
g
Cholesterol
 
0.04
mg
0
%
Sodium
 
250.6
mg
11
%
Potassium
 
239.8
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
 
44.2
g
15
%
Fiber
 
3
g
13
%
Sugar
 
1.7
g
2
%
Protein
 
5.6
g
11
%
Vitamin A
 
977.3
IU
20
%
Vitamin C
 
15.1
mg
18
%
Calcium
 
71.2
mg
7
%
Iron
 
1.7
mg
9
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.