Dinner

Mediterranean Rice with Pine Nuts and Parsley Recipe

Name: Mediterranean Rice with Pine Nuts and Parsley Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 cups long-grain white rice (rinsed and drained); 2 tablespoons butter (divided); 1 medium onion (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; Salt and pepper (to taste); 2 3/4 cups water; 1/4 cup roasted pine nuts; 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

BySana Jeannette February 26, 2026February 26, 2026

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Introduction

Discover the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with this simple yet aromatic rice dish. Infused with cumin, turmeric, and toasted pine nuts, this Mediterranean Rice is a perfect side that adds warmth and color to any meal.

The image shows a close-up of two white bowls filled with bright yellow rice mixed with small green herb pieces and light brown nuts or seeds, creating a textured and colorful look. One bowl is in the foreground and fully visible, filled to the top, while the second bowl is slightly blurred in the background. A golden spoon with a scoop of the yellow rice, showing visible grains, herbs, and small pieces of nuts, is held above the foreground bowl on the right side of the image. The background surface has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups long-grain white rice (rinsed and drained)
2 tablespoons butter (divided)

1 medium onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)

1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon turmeric powder

Salt and pepper (to taste)
2 3/4 cups water
1/4 cup roasted pine nuts

1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

Step 1: Rinse the rice under cold running water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Drain thoroughly.
Step 2: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, then sauté for 3-5 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Add the rinsed rice, ground cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper to the pot. Pour in the water and bring to a boil.
Step 4: Once boiling, lower the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Remove the pot from heat and gently fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.

Step 6: In a separate pan, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Toast the pine nuts over medium heat until golden brown, watching carefully to avoid burning. Remove from heat.
Step 7: Stir the toasted pine nuts and chopped parsley into the cooked rice. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For added color and flavor, mix in some diced roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes before serving.

Substitute pine nuts with slivered almonds or chopped walnuts for a different crunch.
Use vegetable or chicken broth instead of water for a richer taste.
Add a pinch of cinnamon or smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor.

Storage

Store leftover Mediterranean Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, sprinkle a little water over the rice and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep it moist.

How to Serve

Two white bowls filled with bright yellow rice are shown, the rice grains fluffy and separate with small green herb pieces scattered throughout, and pine nuts visible among the rice, suggesting a seasoned dish. The bowls have a simple, smooth design and are placed on a white marbled surface with soft natural light highlighting the texture of the rice. On the right side, there is a gold spoon holding fresh green parsley leaves. The focus is mainly on the front bowl, showing the detailed texture of the rice. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more water. Adjust accordingly, usually about 40-45 minutes and 3 cups of water.

How do I prevent the rice from sticking together?

Rinsing the rice thoroughly before cooking removes excess starch, which helps keep the grains separate. Also, fluffing the rice gently with a fork after cooking prevents clumping.