Description
This Fragrant Spiced Mediterranean Lemon Rice is a vibrant and aromatic side dish bursting with warm spices, fresh lemon zest, and bright parsley. Perfectly cooked basmati rice is infused with cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon, then combined with peas for a colorful, flavorful addition to any Mediterranean or Middle Eastern meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Rinse Rice: Rinse the basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain well to prevent the rice from becoming sticky during cooking.
- Heat Oil and Sauté Onion: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, to build a flavorful base.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, and ground cinnamon. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spices become fragrant, enhancing the aroma and taste.
- Coat Rice: Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir well to coat the rice evenly with the spiced oil and onions, ensuring every grain is flavorful.
- Add Lemon and Broth: Mix in the lemon zest and juice, then pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. The lemon adds a bright, fresh note to balance the warm spices.
- Bring to Boil and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low to simmer gently.
- Cook Covered: Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and let the rice cook undisturbed for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Add Peas: In the last 5 minutes of cooking, stir in the peas and continue cooking until they are heated through and tender, adding a pop of color and texture.
- Rest Rice: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the rice sit, still covered, for an additional 5 minutes to steam and finish cooking evenly.
- Fluff and Season: Fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Parsley and Serve: Stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a fresh herbal note, and serve the rice garnished with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus if desired.
Notes
- Use either vegetable or chicken broth to suit dietary preferences or to add extra flavor.
- Rinsing the rice is essential to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
- This rice pairs beautifully with grilled meats, seafood, or roasted vegetables.
- You can substitute frozen peas with fresh peas when in season for extra sweetness.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your taste preference for a milder or more pronounced citrus flavor.
- For a vegan version, ensure to use vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
