15 Best Mediterranean Rice Recipes

Mediterranean Lemon Rice

Mediterranean Lemon Rice is a zesty and aromatic dish that perfectly complements any grilled protein or vegetable.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

Cooking method

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a pot, heat olive oil over medium heat, then add rice, stirring for 2 minutes until slightly toasted.
3. Stir in turmeric, salt, lemon zest, and juice, then pour in the vegetable broth.
4. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer on low for 15 minutes until rice is cooked.
5. Fluff the rice with a fork, mixing in the chopped parsley before serving.

Greek Spinach and Rice (Spanakorizo)

Spanakorizo is a delicious Greek dish combining the earthy flavors of spinach with rice for a wholesome meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 1 pound fresh spinach (chopped)
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 1/4 cup dill (chopped)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 lemon (juiced)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot, add onion, and sauté until translucent.
2. Stir in the rice, coating it with oil, then add spinach and cook until wilted.
3. Pour in 3 cups of water, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil.
4. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until rice is tender.
5. Stir in dill and lemon juice before serving.

Spanish Mediterranean Rice

This recipe blends Mediterranean and Spanish flavors, creating a vibrant and tasty dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 cup short-grain rice
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
2. Add bell pepper, continue to cook for 3 minutes, then stir in rice and paprika.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes with juice and chicken broth, season with salt and pepper.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Let it sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork and serving.

Moroccan Spiced Rice with Chickpeas

This dish is infused with Moroccan spices and hearty chickpeas, offering a satisfying vegetarian option.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 can chickpeas (15 oz, drained and rinsed)
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until soft and fragrant.
2. Stir in cumin, cinnamon, and rice, cooking for 2 minutes to toast.
3. Add chickpeas, raisins, salt, and pepper, then pour in vegetable broth.
4. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until rice is tender.
5. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Lebanese Rice with Vermicelli

Lebanese Rice with Vermicelli is a popular side dish that pairs well with many main courses.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1/4 cup vermicelli pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Cooking method

1. Melt butter in a pot, then add vermicelli, stirring until golden brown.
2. Add rice, mixing well until the grains are well-coated.
3. Pour in chicken broth, add salt, and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
5. Let it rest before fluffing and serving.

Italian Mushroom and Rice Pilaf

Savor the rich flavors of mushrooms and aromatic herbs in this Italian-inspired pilaf.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• 8 oz mushrooms (sliced)
• 1 onion (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until soft.
2. Add mushrooms and cook until browned.
3. Stir in Arborio rice, coating it in the mixture, and cook for 2 minutes.
4. Pour in vegetable broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil.
5. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes, then stir in Parmesan cheese before serving.

Herbed Mediterranean Rice Salad

This cold rice salad is refreshing and filled with fresh herbs, perfect for a light meal or side dish.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked basmati rice
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1/4 cup cucumber (diced)
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives (sliced)
• 1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint (chopped)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Cooking method

1. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta.
2. Whisk together olive oil and red wine vinegar, then drizzle over the salad.
3. Toss gently to combine, and sprinkle with chopped mint before serving.

Mediterranean Tomato and Basil Rice

A vibrant and herby rice dish that brings the essence of fresh tomatoes and basil to the table.

Ingredients

• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tomatoes (diced)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. Heat olive oil in a pot, add garlic, and sauté until golden.
2. Stir in rice, vegetable broth, and diced tomatoes.
3. Season with salt and pepper, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and cover.
4. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until rice is cooked.
5. Stir in fresh basil before serving.

Turkish Rice Pilaf with Nuts

This Turkish Rice Pilaf is nutty and flavorful, featuring almonds and pine nuts for added texture.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain rice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 2 cups chicken broth
• Salt to taste

Cooking method

1. Melt butter in a pot, add almonds and pine nuts, toasting until golden.
2. Stir in rice, coating well with the butter and nuts.
3. Pour in chicken broth, season with salt, and bring to a boil.
4. Lower heat, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and broth is absorbed.
5. Fluff with a fork before serving.

Mediterranean Olive and Sun-Dried Tomato Rice

Infused with olives and sun-dried tomatoes, this Mediterranean rice offers a burst of flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• 1/4 cup black olives (sliced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking method

1. Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
2. Add rice, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives, stirring to combine.
3. Pour in vegetable broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes, or until rice is tender.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.