This deeply aromatic and flavorful Mediterranean Yellow Rice recipe features fluffy long-grain rice and aromatics from the onion, garlic, cumin, and turmeric. Add the pine nuts and fresh cilantro leaves for the finishing touch. Serve this delicious vegan side dish with any main or use as part of a Mediterranean rice bowl.
This recipe is easy to make with just a few ingredients and 20 minutes of cooking time — no Instant Pot necessary. The result is a bright side dish with an exquisite Mediterranean taste that is both healthy and comforting. Start out by sautéing the onions until softened and almost translucent. Next, add the garlic, cumin, turmeric, salt, black pepper, and rice. Cook, stirring, for a few minutes before adding the water. Bring the rice to a simmer and cook, covered, for about 15 minutes until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender. Once ready, remove the rice from heat, wrap the lid with a clean dish towel and place it on top of the pot. Allow the rice to steam for 5-10 minutes. Gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and fold in the toasted pine nuts and the chopped cilantro. Enjoy!
To make the Mediterranean Yellow Rice, you will need the following ingredients:
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium heat. Add ½ cup diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are soft and almost translucent.
Add 2 cloves minced garlic, ¼ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon turmeric, 1 ¼ teaspoons salt, black pepper to taste, and 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice to the pot. Toast, stirring frequently, for about 2 minutes until the rice starts to look translucent.
Add 2 ¼ cups water, stir to mix well, and bring to a simmer.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender, about 15 minutes.
Once the rice is ready, remove the pot from the heat. Wrap the lid with a clean dish towel and place it on top of the pot and let the rice steam for 5-10 minutes.
Fluff the rice with a fork and fold in ¼ cup toasted pine nuts and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro. Adjust salt and black pepper pepper if needed.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
This Mediterranean Yellow Rice is an aromatic and delicious vegan side dish that is so easy to make at home. Perfectly fluffy and flavorful every time. No fancy equipment or technique needed. If you make this easy recipe, share a photo with us @cookmerecipes on Instagram — and don't forget to leave a comment below!
I made this Mediterranean Yellow Rice for a family dinner and everyone loved it. So simple yet packed with flavor. The aroma filled my kitchen and brought back memories of trips to the Mediterranean. Will be making this again for sure
Best rice ever!
I made the Mediterranean Yellow Rice for a small dinner party, and it was a hit! The flavors blended so well, and I loved how simple it was to make. My friends were impressed, and I felt like a gourmet chef. Definitely my new go-to side dish!
I made this Mediterranean Yellow Rice for a last-minute dinner with friends and they loved it! The flavors from the cumin and turmeric are amazing. So easy to cook, I will definetly be making this again. Perfect side for any meal!
Made this with my kids, they loved it! Super simple and delish. Perfect for family dinner!
Simply the best. My family couldn't get enough of this rice! It paired perfectly with our grilled veggies at dinner. I love how easy it is to make, and the flavors are just outstanding. Can't wait to make it again for a family gathering.
Wow! Made this for a picnic and it was a hit!
Delicious! I made this Yellow Rice for a family dinner and everyone loved it. It’s so easy to prepare, and the turmeric gives it a beautiful color! We paired it with grilled chicken, and it was a hit. I felt like a chef in my own kitchen!
Wow! So delicious! Made this for my husband and he loved it. It was super easy and fit perfectly with our grilled chicken. Will def make again!
Delicious!
OMG! This Mediterranean Yellow Rice was a total hit at our fam dinner! Super easy and packed with flavor. My kids loved it!
Made it for family dinner, super easy.
This Mediterranean Yellow Rice recipe is simply great! I made it for my family’s game night, and they loved it. The spices were aromatic and the rice turned out fluffy. Easy to whip up in just 20 minutes! I added it to a rice bowl with veggies. Everyone was proud of my cooking skills!
Super easy recipe. I made this for a small gathering and it was a big hit. The flavors were amazing, and everyone kept asking for the recipe. It’s now my go-to side dish. I can’t believe how simple it was with just a few ingredients. I love cooking now.
Yum! I made this Mediterranean Yellow Rice for my friends and everyone loved it! It was super easy and quick to prepare. Now it's my go-to for get-togethers. The flavors are just amazing. Can't wait to make it again!
