Delicious Cilantro Rice Recipe - Easy Mediterranean Dish

Cilantro Rice — a mediterranean recipe (main course) with 9 ingredients. Source: edamam.com.

Medium
Updated March 20, 2026

35

Total Time (min)

8

servings

246

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Delicious Cilantro Rice Recipe - Easy Mediterranean Dish

Ingredients

Servings:
8
  • 1 cup Basmati rice (Rinsed)
  • 2 cups Water
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 cup Fresh cilantro (Chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
  • 1 clove Garlic (Minced)
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 pinch Black pepper

Instructions

5 steps

  1. Rinse the Rice

    Thoroughly rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear.

    This helps to remove excess starch for fluffier rice.
  2. Cook the Rice

    In a medium pot, combine the rinsed rice, water, olive oil, and salt. Bring to a boil.

    Make sure to keep an eye on it to prevent boiling over.
  3. Simmer the Rice

    Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes.

    Do not lift the lid while it's cooking to ensure it steams properly.
  4. Fluff the Rice

    Remove the pot from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork.

    This step helps to separate the grains.
  5. Add Cilantro and Seasonings

    Stir in the chopped cilantro, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, and black pepper.

    Adjust the seasoning to taste before serving.

💡 Tips & Tricks

Health: Sugar-Conscious, Kidney-Friendly, Mediterranean, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Wheat-Free

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 3 days in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 2 months — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Reheat in a skillet or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With

Complete your mediterranean meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Delicious Cilantro Rice Recipe - Easy Mediterranean Dish is a beloved dish from Mediterranean cuisine. With a total preparation time of about 35 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Mediterranean cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 9 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but adjust the cooking time and water ratio as brown rice takes longer to cook.

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Nutrition Facts

8 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories200kcal
Total Fat4gg
Sodium300mgmg
Total Carbohydrates41gg
Dietary Fiber1gg
Total Sugars0gg
Protein4gg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details