Best 2 Mediterranean Fried Rice Recipes

Embark on a culinary journey to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean with this delightful Mediterranean Fried Rice recipe. This vibrant dish is a symphony of flavors, textures, and aromas, capturing the essence of the region's rich culinary heritage.

Savory rice forms the base of this delectable dish, cooked to perfection with a medley of aromatic spices and herbs. Succulent shrimp, tender chicken, and an array of colorful vegetables, including crisp bell peppers, succulent tomatoes, and earthy mushrooms, add a symphony of flavors and textures. The addition of tangy feta cheese, briny olives, and fresh herbs like parsley and mint creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.

This Mediterranean Fried Rice is not just a meal; it's an experience that transports you to the heart of the Mediterranean. It's perfect for a casual family dinner, a vibrant potluck dish, or as a delightful side dish to complement grilled meats or fish. With its vibrant colors and irresistible aromas, this dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering.

In this article, you'll find a comprehensive guide to creating this delectable Mediterranean Fried Rice, complete with step-by-step instructions and a detailed ingredient list. We've also included variations and serving suggestions to inspire you to explore different culinary possibilities. So, prepare to be captivated by the flavors of the Mediterranean as you embark on this culinary adventure.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

TAHDIG RECIPE (CRISPY PERSIAN RICE)

Tahdig Recipe (Crispy Persian Rice) image

Tahdig, pronounced tah-deeg, literally means "bottom of the pot" in Persian. And it refers to a beautiful, pan-fried Persian rice that is fluffy and buttery on the inside with a perfectly golden crust, which is the layer at the bottom of the pot. This tahdig is laced with saffron and scented with orange zest. Be sure to use a nonstick pan for this recipe. Step-by-step photos and more tips in the post.

Provided by Suzy Karadsheh

Categories Side Dish

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

1 tsp saffron threads
2 cups basmati rice (like Royal Basmati Rice (affiliate link))
1 to 2 tbsp Kosher salt
2 tbsp whole milk yogurt (Greek or otherwise)
2 tbsp grape seed oil, (or any healthy neutral-tasting oil of your choice )
1 cup dried cherries, (finely chopped )
Grated zest of 1 orange
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
4 to 8 tbsp unsalted butter, (cubed (see note #1))
3 tbsp pistachios, (roughly chopped for garnish )

Steps:

Mix the saffron into 1 cup very warm (but not hot) water. Let sit for at least 10 minutes to let the saffron release all of its flavor.
In a sieve, rinse the rice under cool running water until the water almost runs clear.
In a large pot, combine 8 cups of water and the salt (this is your one shot to season the rice itself). Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the rice and cook until al dente, 5 to 6 minutes. Drain the rice.
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of the cooked rice, the yogurt, grapeseed oil, and 2 tbsp of the saffron water. Mix thoroughly.
Spread the rice-yogurt mixture evenly on the bottom of a 10-inch lidded nonstick pot. Sprinkle 1 cup of the remaining cooked rice on top, followed by 2 tablespoons of the dried cherries, a pinch of orange zest, and a pinch of cinnamon. Add another layer of rice and repeat with the cherries, orange zest, and cinnamon, reserving a couple tbsp of the cherries for garnish. As you go about layering, the rice will start to dome and look "pointy" in the middle--that's okay! Keep it that way. Finish by dotting the top with the butter and pour the rest of the saffron water all over the top.
Wrap the lid in a kitchen towel and secure it around the handle with a rubber band. Cover the pot and cook over low heat, 25 to 30 minutes or until the rice around the edges is golden and crispy; it's okay to peek under the lid! (See note #2) Be sure not to burn the bottom layer of the rice, though you do want a nice crust in the bottom.
Remove the lid, invert a large serving plate over the pot, and carefully flip them over together. No worries if it sticks, just scrape it out and run with it! Sprinkle the tahdig with the reserved dried cherries and pistachios and serve right away.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 314.7 kcal, Carbohydrate 48.8 g, Protein 5 g, SaturatedFat 4.2 g, Cholesterol 15.3 mg, Fiber 2.3 g, ServingSize 1 serving

GREEK LEMON RICE RECIPE

Greek Lemon Rice Recipe image

Best Greek lemon rice recipe! Loads of flavor from onions, garlic, lemon juice and fresh herbs. Be sure to check out the notes for tips and ideas for what to serve it with.

Provided by The Mediterranean Dish

Categories Side Dish

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 10

Ingredients

2 cups long grain rice (uncooked)
Early Harvest Greek extra virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped (just over 1 cup chopped onions)
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 cup orzo pasta
2 lemons, juice of (PLUS zest of 1 lemon)
2 cups low sodium broth (chicken or vegetable broth will work)
Pinch salt
Large handful chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp dill weed (dry dill)

Steps:

Wash rice well and then soak it for about 15 to 20 minutes in plenty of cold water (enough to cover the rice by 1 inch). You should be able to easily break a grain of rice by simply placing it between your thumb and index finger. Drain well.
Heat about 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large sauce pan with a lid (like this one) until oil is shimmering but not smoking. Add onions and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and orzo pasta. Toss around for a bit until the orzo has gained some color then stir in the rice. Toss to coat.
Now add lemon juice and broth. Bring liquid to a rolling boil (it should reduce a little), then turn heat to low. Cover and let cook for about 20 minutes or until rice is done (liquid should be fully absorbed and rice should be tender but not sticky.)
Remove rice from heat. For best results, leave it covered and do not disturb rice for about 10 minutes or so.
Uncover and stir in parsley, dill weed and lemon zest. If you like, add a few slices of lemon on top for garnish. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 145 calories, Sugar 0.5 g, Sodium 53.1 mg, Fat 6.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.1 g, TransFat 0 g, Carbohydrate 18.3 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Protein 3.3 g, Cholesterol 0 mg

Tips for Making Perfect Mediterranean Fried Rice:

- Use high-quality ingredients: Fresh vegetables, flavorful spices, and premium rice will make all the difference in the final dish. - Don't overcrowd the pan: Cooking the rice in batches will ensure that it cooks evenly and doesn't become mushy. - Use a well-seasoned wok or large skillet: This will help prevent the rice from sticking and burning. - Cook the rice until it is slightly browned: This will give it a nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture. - Add the vegetables and spices towards the end of cooking: This will help them retain their鮮豔的色彩, crispness, and flavor. - Serve immediately: Mediterranean fried rice is best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the pan.

Conclusion:

Mediterranean fried rice is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. It is a great way to use up leftover rice and vegetables, and it is also a healthy and flavorful option for a quick and easy meal. With its vibrant colors, savory flavors, and aromatic spices, Mediterranean fried rice is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy rice, give this recipe a try!