Description
A fragrant and vibrant Mediterranean Yellow Rice recipe infused with turmeric and a blend of warm spices. This easy stovetop dish features basmati rice sautéed with aromatic onions, garlic, and spices, then simmered in broth to create a beautifully colored, flavorful rice perfect as a side or base for Mediterranean-inspired meals.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1½ cups Long-grain Basmati rice
- 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Medium onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 Garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tsp Ground turmeric
- ½ tsp Ground cumin
- ½ tsp Ground coriander
- ½ tsp Kosher salt
- 2¼ cups Chicken or vegetable broth
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped parsley
- Toasted pine nuts
Instructions
- Rinse the Rice: Rinse 1½ cups long-grain basmati rice under cold running water using a fine-mesh strainer until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Allow the rice to drain completely over a bowl.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped medium onion, minced garlic cloves, ground turmeric, ground cumin, ground coriander, and kosher salt. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions turn translucent, stirring occasionally. Lower the heat if the pan starts browning quickly to avoid burning.
- Add the Rice: Stir the rinsed and drained rice into the saucepan, coating each grain with the flavorful aromatic mixture evenly.
- Add the Broth: Pour 2¼ cups of chicken or vegetable broth into the saucepan and stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Boil and Simmer: Bring the broth to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice simmer and steam for 20 minutes without lifting the lid to maintain steam and moisture.
- Fluff and Serve: After cooking, remove the saucepan from heat and let the rice rest covered for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice gently with a fork. Serve immediately, either directly from the saucepan or plated. Garnish with chopped parsley and toasted pine nuts if desired.
Notes
- Rinsing the rice before cooking is essential to prevent stickiness and achieve fluffy grains.
- Use vegetable broth to make the recipe vegetarian or chicken broth for a richer flavor.
- Do not lift the lid while the rice simmers to ensure proper steaming.
- Adjust garlic quantity based on your preference.
- To toast pine nuts, warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.
