Golden Mediterranean Rice with Herbs & Crunch

Golden Mediterranean Rice with Herbs & Crunch is a fragrant and flavorful dish made with fluffy basmati rice, gently cooked in aromatic spices and broth. It’s elevated with caramelized shallots, toasted nuts for a satisfying crunch, and a bright touch of lemon zest. Finished with za’atar, fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and mint, this dish delivers a perfect balance of warmth, freshness, and Mediterranean-inspired taste in every bite.

  • Time to Cook: 20 minutes
  • Serving: 5 - 6
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
Golden Mediterranean Rice with Herbs & Crunch

Ingredients

For Golden Mediterranean Rice:

  • 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed & drained
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 3 1/2 cups water or light vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 medium shallots or 1 onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp ghee or olive oil
  • 3 tbsp slivered almonds or cashews
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp mild chili flakes (optional)
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tbsp zaatar spice or sumac
  • Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
  • Fresh mint leaves, torn

Steps for Making

    Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot, add rinsed rice & sauté until nutty.
  2. Add broth/water & salt. Bring to boil, reduce to low, cover & simmer 15 minutes.
  3. Turn off heat, let rice rest 5–10 minutes, then fluff with fork.
  4. Meanwhile, caramelize shallots/onion in ghee until golden brown.
  5. Add almonds/cashews, toast lightly, then mix in lemon zest & spices.
  6. Spoon topping over rice, garnish with herbs & mint. Serve warm.

Nutritional Values

  • Calories: ≈ 1,700 kcal
  • Dietary Fiber: ≈ 8 – 12 g
  • Protein: ≈ 35 – 40 g
  • Carbs: ≈ 320 – 340 g
  • Fats: ≈ 55 – 65 g
  • Sugars: ≈ 6 – 10 g

* Nutrition information is estimated based on the ingredients used. Values may vary.

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