Best 4 Mediterranean Rice Pilaf Recipes

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Embark on a culinary journey to the sun-kissed shores of the Mediterranean with our delightful collection of rice pilaf recipes. These vibrant dishes, brimming with the flavors and aromas of the region, are a testament to the diverse culinary heritage of the Mediterranean. From the aromatic and savory Turkish pilaf, fragrant with cumin and pine nuts, to the vibrant and colorful Spanish paella, bursting with seafood and saffron, each recipe offers a unique taste experience. Indulge in the simplicity of the classic Greek pilaf, where fluffy rice is complemented by the freshness of lemon and herbs, or savor the hearty and comforting Italian risotto, where creamy rice is enveloped in a rich broth and topped with an array of vegetables, seafood, or meat. With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, these recipes will guide you effortlessly in creating authentic Mediterranean rice pilaf dishes that will transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched landscapes of this enchanting region.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

MEDITERRANEAN RICE PILAF WITH PISTACHIOS AND GOLDEN RAISINS



Mediterranean Rice Pilaf with Pistachios and Golden Raisins image

I usually make this Mediterranean pilaf whenever I want to change up our regular rice routine and my family loves it. It goes well with lamb or other meat dishes.

Provided by Brigitte

Categories     Side Dish     Rice Side Dish Recipes     Pilaf

Time 42m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
¾ cup uncooked white rice
1 ¼ cups chicken broth
¼ cup chopped pistachio nuts
¼ cup golden raisins
¼ cup finely chopped green onions
salt

Steps:

  • Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat and cook onion, turmeric, and cardamom, stirring constantly, until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add rice and mix well.
  • Pour chicken broth into the saucepan, stir, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until rice is tender and liquid has been absorbed, about 17 minutes.
  • Toast pistachios in a dry skillet until fragrant, 3 to 5 minutes; remove from skillet and coarsely chop.
  • Place golden raisins in a bowl and cover with boiling water. Soak for 1 minute and drain well.
  • Remove rice from heat and allow to stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Mix in pistachios, raisins, and green onions; season with salt.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 317 calories, Carbohydrate 44.1 g, Fat 14 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 5.2 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 78.1 mg, Sugar 9.3 g

MEDITERRANEAN BROWN RICE PILAF



Mediterranean Brown Rice Pilaf image

A delicious combination of Mediterranean flavors, this flavorful dish is both quick and healthy. Also, this dish is quite versatile, depending on your preferences. My family likes adding the eggs after adding the rice for a more moist pilaf; otherwise, cook the eggs before adding the rice to attain a drier version. Serve warm.

Provided by suga baby

Categories     Side Dish     Rice Side Dish Recipes     Pilaf

Time 1h22m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 (14.5 ounce) can chicken broth
1 cup uncooked brown rice
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
2 shallots
¼ cup chopped green bell pepper
1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained
¼ cup drained chopped sun-dried tomatoes
2 eggs, slightly beaten
salt and ground black pepper to taste
¼ cup pine nuts
¼ cup fresh basil

Steps:

  • Bring chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan. Add rice and rosemary. Reduce heat and simmer until rice is tender and broth is absorbed, about 45 minutes.
  • Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic; stir in onion and shallots. Cook, stirring frequently until softened, about 5 minutes. Add green bell pepper; cook until tender, about 1 minute. Stir chickpeas and tomatoes into the vegetable mixture; cook until heated through, about 1 minute.
  • Spoon the cooked rice into the vegetable mixture. Pour in eggs and stir until mixture is dry. Season with salt and pepper; remove from heat. Stir in pine nuts and basil.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 310.7 calories, Carbohydrate 44 g, Cholesterol 63.5 mg, Fat 11.3 g, Fiber 4.6 g, Protein 9.7 g, SaturatedFat 1.9 g, Sodium 496.5 mg, Sugar 3.1 g

MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN AND RICE PILAF



Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Pilaf image

Make and share this Mediterranean Chicken and Rice Pilaf recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Christine

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 onion, sliced thinly
1 tablespoon curry powder
2 teaspoons garlic salt
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 cup uncooked rice
3 cups chicken stock
3 tablespoons fresh parsley

Steps:

  • In large deep skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the Chicken and brown on all sides, about 10 minutes.
  • Add the onions, curry powder and garlic salt.
  • Saute until onions begin to soften.
  • About 3 minutes.
  • Add the soy sauce and hot sauce.
  • Simmer 2 minutes.
  • Add the rice and mix to coat with spices.
  • Pour in the stock.
  • Reduce the heat, cover and cook until all the liquid is absorbed, the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  • About 35 minutes.
  • Garnish with parsley.

MEDITERRANEAN RICE PILAF



Mediterranean Rice Pilaf image

A sweet and savory rice pilaf with pineapple, raisins, and almonds.

Provided by NicMock

Categories     Side Dish     Rice Side Dish Recipes     Pilaf

Time 35m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 ½ cups chicken broth
¾ cup uncooked rice
¼ cup almond slivers
¼ cup raisins
2 tablespoons oil
2 ¼ teaspoons soy sauce
¾ teaspoon curry powder
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
½ cup pineapple chunks, drained

Steps:

  • Bring chicken broth to a boil in a pot over high heat. Add rice, almonds, raisins, oil, soy sauce, curry powder, and turmeric. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed, about 20 minutes. Stir in pineapple.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 299 calories, Carbohydrate 43.7 g, Cholesterol 2.3 mg, Fat 11.7 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 5.4 g, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, Sodium 608.8 mg, Sugar 11.7 g

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly impact the flavor of your Mediterranean rice pilaf. Use long-grain rice, such as basmati or jasmine, for a light and fluffy texture. Use flavorful broth, such as chicken or vegetable broth, for a richer flavor. And use fresh vegetables and herbs for the best flavor and texture.
  • Sauté the rice: Sautéing the rice in a little olive oil before adding the broth helps to develop its flavor and prevent it from sticking together.
  • Use the right amount of liquid: The amount of liquid you use will depend on the type of rice you are using. Basmati and jasmine rice typically require 1 1/2 cups of liquid per cup of rice. Other types of rice may require more or less liquid. Check the package instructions for your specific type of rice.
  • Cook the rice until it is tender: The rice should be cooked until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
  • Fluff the rice before serving: Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains and make it light and airy.

Conclusion:

Mediterranean rice pilaf is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as a main course or side dish. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. With its flavorful blend of rice, vegetables, and herbs, Mediterranean rice pilaf is a surefire hit with your family and friends.

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