This Mediterranean yellow rice is fragrant, lightly spiced, and full of flavor. Made aromatic and flavorful with turmeric, cinnamon, and cardamom, it cooks in one pot and comes out fluffy every time.
I love serving this Mediterranean yellow rice with ground beef and bean stew, beef tikka masala, or chickpea stew. It's a simple side that fits with so many meals.
what you will need to make it
- Olive oil.
- Onion - diced small so it softens quickly.
- Garlic.
- Cinnamon sticks.
- Cardamom pods.
- Long-grain basmati rice.
- Water or stock - to cook the rice in.
- Turmeric - this gives the rice its yellow color, plus adds to the aroma.
- Salt to season the rice.
how to make it
- Rinse: Wash the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
- Sauté: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook 2-3 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic for 1 minute.
- Spices: Add cinnamon sticks and cardamom pods. Toast 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine: Stir in rinsed rice, turmeric, and salt until coated in the oil and spices.
- Cook: Pour in water or stock. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid absorbed.
- Rest: Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Serve: Fluff with a fork and serve warm.
serving suggestions
You can pair this Mediterranean yellow rice with so many main dishes, anything from butterbean and potato curry to curry mung bean stew.
It also pairs well with fish such as air fryer salmon or lighter sides like hummus. For a vegetarian plate, add roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
refregeration and freezing
Store leftover rice in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To freeze, let the rice cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of water or in a covered pan on low heat until warmed through.
more rice recipes
I have lots of delicious rice recipes - make sure to try these next!
📖 Recipe
Mediterranean Yellow Rice
Ingredients
- 2-3 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 4-5 cardamom pods
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 1½ cups water or stock
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Rinse the rice with cold water (4-5 times), or until the water runs clear. Drain well.
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute.
- Add cinnamon sticks and cardamom pods. Toast for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in rice, turmeric, and salt. Coat the rice well in the spices.
- Pour in water or stock and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff with a fork and serve warm.
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