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Ultimate One-Pot Mediterranean Lemon Rice: Fluffy, Yellow, and Zesty Side Dish

A white bowl filled with vibrant yellow mediterranean rice, topped with toasted pine nuts and fresh chopped parsley.
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Make this easy, one-pot Mediterranean rice for a flavorful side dish. It cooks up fluffy and yellow from turmeric, with a bright, zesty flavor from fresh lemon juice. This recipe is perfect for quick weeknight meals or meal prep.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic burn.
  3. Stir in the rinsed rice, turmeric, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to toast the rice slightly.
  4. Pour in the vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for an additional 10 minutes to steam. This step helps achieve fluffy rice.
  7. Remove the lid. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.
  8. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest until evenly distributed.
  9. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and toasted pine nuts if you are using them.

Notes

  • Rinsing the rice removes excess starch, which helps the final dish stay fluffy.
  • For an even brighter flavor, use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth when cooking.
  • This rice pairs well with grilled chicken, baked fish, or as a base for a Mediterranean grain bowl.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/mediterranean-rice-ultimate-one-pot-lemon-side/