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One-Pot Mediterranean Yellow Rice with Lemon and Herbs

A close-up of bright yellow Mediterranean rice garnished generously with fresh chopped parsley and toasted pine nuts.
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Create this easy, fluffy One-Pot Mediterranean Yellow Rice seasoned with turmeric and fresh lemon. This aromatic spiced rice delivers vibrant flavor with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice (Basmati recommended)
  • 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic, turmeric, and cumin to the pot. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  3. Add the rice to the pot. Stir and toast the rice for 2 minutes until the edges look slightly translucent.
  4. Pour in the vegetable broth, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed. Do not lift the lid during this time.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for 10 minutes. This step helps the rice steam and become fluffy.
  7. Remove the lid. Fluff the rice gently with a fork. Stir in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and toasted pine nuts if desired.

Notes

  • For a Greek Lemon Rice variation, increase the lemon juice to 3 tablespoons and add 1 teaspoon dried oregano with the cumin.
  • If you prefer a rice cooker method, combine all ingredients except parsley and pine nuts in the cooker and use the white rice setting. Stir in lemon and herbs after cooking finishes.
  • This recipe works well as a healthy rice side dish or as a base for a plant-based meal when mixed with chickpeas or white beans.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://alchemychef.com/mediterranean-rice-one-pot-yellow-rice-lemon/