Best Ever Mediterranean Rice Recipe
This Mediterranean Rice recipe with basmati features fluffy rice and aromatic spices and has a lovely nutty flavor that will be the perfect complement to all your Mediterranean recipes.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1.5 cups long grain rice Jasmine Rice or Basmati Rice
- 2.25 cups of water
Optional Ingredients:
- pine nuts - stir in after the rice has finished cooking
- fresh herbs - stir in after the rice has finished cooking
- golden raisins or dried cranberries - add at the same time you add the water; they will become plump while the rice cooks
- Fresh lemon juice - squeeze on top of rice just before serving
- Salt and pepper - sprinkle on just before serving
Instructions
- Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Next, add the onions to the pot, and saute them for about five minutes until they are soft and translucent.
- Now, add the minced garlic, cumin, turmeric, and rice to the onions. Continuously stir the mixture for about a minute, slightly toasting the rice.
- Add the water to the pot, stirring to combine, and allow the mixture to come to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the burner to low heat, place a cover on the pan, and let the rice simmer for about 10 minutes until the water is absorbed. (If you have a pan with a clear lid, it helps to keep an eye on the rice - you do not want it to overcook or dry out.)
- Once the rice has absorbed the water, carefully remove the pan from the burner, remove the lid, and place a clean dish towel (a flour sack works best) over the pan. Place the pan lid on top of the towel and allow Mediterranean Yellow Rice to steam for about 10 minutes.
- Finally, fluff the cooked rice, sprinkle on some kosher salt or black pepper (if desired) and serve.