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Mediterranean yellow rice on a white plate
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5 from 2 votes

Mediterranean Yellow Rice

Tender & fluffy turmeric yellow rice loaded with mediterranean flavors makes for a delicious side dish accompanied with several main courses.
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Total Time20 mins
Course Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine Mediterranean
Keyword Mediterranean Yellow Rice, Yellow Rice
Servings2 people
Author Geetanjali

INGREDIENTS ( 1 CUP = 240 ML )

  • 1 cup long grain white basmati rice uncooked
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ½ medium-sized onion chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 fresh jalapeno seeded and chopped
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons golden raisins optional
  • 2 cups low-salt chicken stock or vegetable stock
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • ½ teaspoon salt or as required

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Rinse the basmati rice 3 to 4 times in water or until the water looks clear.
  • Take the rice in a large container and add enough water to cover. Soak the rice for 15-20 minutes.
  • Heat olive oil and butter in a heavy bottomed pot or pan over medium heat. Once the butter melted, add onion and garlic. Saute for 3-4 minutes or until onions soften.
  • Add jalapeno, raisins, turmeric, ground cumin, ground pepper, and salt. Saute for a couple of seconds.
  • Add soaked and drained basmati rice. Gently saute the rice for 1-2 minutes until slightly toasted. Do it with a light hand to avoid breaking the grains of rice.
  • Add chicken stock and chopped cilantro and stir to mix. Bring the rice to a boil over high flame. Once the water on the surface of the rice dries up, reduce the flame to the lowest, cover and cook for 10 minutes.
  • Your golden pilaf is ready. Turn off the flame, add some cilantro and allow the rice to sit covered for 5 minutes.
  • Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

  • The ratio of rice to liquid should be 1:2 which means for 1 cup of uncooked rice you will need 2 cups of liquid.
  • Rinse the rice well to remove all the starch from its surface to prevent sticking.
  • Soak the rice for 15-20 minutes. It produces perfectly cooked, fluffy rice.
  • Gently saute the rice for 1-2 minutes before cooking with stock. It will make the rice even more fragrant and delicious.
  • Cook the rice in stock, not water. Stock adds so much flavor to the rice, don't skip it.
  • 1 servings = 1 cup cooked rice = ½ cup uncooked rice