Looking for a light and easy meal? This Mediterranean Rice Bowl is the perfect answer! It’s a weeknight dinner winner, packed with fresh flavors and ready in no time.
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 20 minutes.
Cook Time: 25 minutes
How Many Servings?
4 servings
Table of Contents
Farmer’s rice with za’atar and feta is a healthy and filling Mediterranean rice bowl perfect for lunch or dinner! This rice dish is a vegetarian meal all in itself. It is made with many different aromatic herbs and vegetables. I like to add asparagus, red onions, tomatoes, pine nuts, feta cheese, mint, parsley, and olives. Farmer’s rice is packed with many flavors and is easy to make! You can have an entire meal ready in 30 minutes.
This rice dish is earthy and savory, with plenty of fresh vegetables to brighten the flavors. Farmer’s rice is a delicious dish that appeals to everyone, including your children! You can even personalize it by adding your favorite vegetables.
Ingredients for Mediterranean Rice Bowl
- Olive Oil: As the base, olive oil adds a luscious and fruity undertone, coating each element of the bowl with richness.
- Red Onion and Garlic: Sautéed to perfection, red onion and minced garlic infuse savory warmth, building a robust foundation for the bowl.
- Fresh Tomatoes: Chopped fresh tomatoes add a juicy and vibrant element, enhancing the Mediterranean rice bowl’s overall freshness.
- Paprika: Offering a subtle smokiness and a hint of spice, paprika elevates the flavor profile with its distinct Mediterranean character.
- Sumac: Introducing a citrusy and tangy note adds a unique zing, contributing to the bright and refreshing taste of the bowl.
- Zaatar: A flavorful blend of herbs, sesame seeds, and sumac, zaatar brings a distinctive and aromatic essence, tying together the Mediterranean flavors.
- Fresh Asparagus: Trimmed and cut into smaller pieces, fresh asparagus provides a crisp and verdant element, enhancing the bowl’s texture and visual appeal.
- Sliced Kalamata Olives: Kalamata olives add a briny and salty kick and infuse the bowl with a Mediterranean touch, balancing the flavors.
- Jasmine Rice: Washed and soaked for optimal fluffiness, jasmine rice forms the hearty and satisfying base, absorbing the vibrant flavors of the bowl.
- Crumbled Feta Cheese: A creamy and tangy delight, crumbled feta cheese crowns the bowl and offers a luxurious and indulgent finish.
- Fresh Mint and Parsley: Chopped fresh mint and parsley contribute a burst of herbaceous freshness, creating a harmonious balance in the bowl.
- Toasted Pine Nuts (Optional): Toasted pine nuts add a nutty and toasty dimension for those seeking an extra crunch, elevating the overall texture.
What Type of Rice Should I Use?
Selecting the right type of rice is crucial to achieving a perfect texture in your Farmer’s Rice. For this recipe, I highly recommend using fragrant jasmine rice. Jasmine rice features long, slender grains that retain their firmness and separate beautifully when cooked, ensuring a fluffy and satisfying dish.
To prepare the ideal amount of rice for this recipe, start with about 1.5 cups of uncooked jasmine rice. Once cooked, this amount will yield approximately 4 cups of cooked rice—just the right quantity to create a generous serving of Farmer’s Rice. Adjust the amount as needed based on your desired portion size or the number of people you serve.
What to Serve with Farmer’s Rice
Farmer’s rice with za’atar and feta is a delicious and filling meal all on its own, but it also pairs well with various other Mediterranean dishes. A great side dish next to roasted chicken with za’atar and sumac would complement the rice’s earthy flavors. Alternatively, it could be served alongside Mediterranean drumsticks or grilled kofta kababs for a complete and satisfying meal. It also would be a great accompaniment to Mediterranean shrimp with spicy harissa. A lighter option, a simple Greek salad, would perfectly complement the bold and flavorful rice.
What Can I Add to My Mediterranean Rice Bowl?
Here are some ideas to elevate your Mediterranean Rice Bowl:
- Versatile Veggies: Experiment with various vegetables, swapping out any you don’t fancy for your favorites. Think green beans, zucchini, squash, bell peppers, eggplant, or broccoli florets. Cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and presentation.
- Fresh Herbs: In addition to the aromatic herbs mentioned, add basil, dill, cilantro, or oregano for a unique and refreshing flavor. Sprinkle them as garnish or mix them into the rice during the final cooking stages.
- Nutty Crunch: Nuts and seeds, such as toasted pine nuts, slivered almonds, or chopped walnuts, boost the texture and nutrition. Sprinkle them over the rice bowl just before serving.
- Olive Delight: Embrace the Mediterranean vibe with olives, whether Kalamata or green ones. Chop or keep them whole for bursts of saltiness. For added complexity, explore other Mediterranean ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, capers, or artichoke hearts.
- Citrus Zest: Grate lemon or orange zest into your rice bowl for a vibrant, citrusy twist. This simple addition enhances the flavors and adds a refreshing touch to complement other ingredients beautifully.
Preparation
In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté 1/2 cup of chopped red onion for 2 minutes.
Stir in 1 teaspoon each of paprika, sumac, and salt, along with 2 tablespoons of za'atar spice mix.
Add 1 cup of trimmed and chopped asparagus and 1/2 cup of sliced kalamata olives, and mix everything together.
Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan with a lid. Allow the rice to simmer for 20 minutes.
Finally, stir in 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese and 1/2 cup each of chopped fresh mint and parsley using a fork.
Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-prepare Mediterranean Farmer’s Rice with Za’atar and Feta bowl that will indeed become a staple in your meal rotation.
Type of Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Prep Time: 20 minutes.
Cook Time: 25 minutes
How Many Servings?
4 servings
Ingredients:
Adjust Servings
| 1 tablespoon olive oil | |
| 1/2 cup red onion, chopped | |
| 3 garlic cloves, minced | |
| 1 cup fresh tomatoes, chopped | |
| 1 teaspoon paprika | |
| 1 teaspoon sumac | |
| 1 teaspoon salt | |
| 2 tablespoons zaatar | |
| 1 cup fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into smaller pieces | |
| 1/2 cup sliced kalamata olives | |
| 1 1/2 cups of jasmine rice, washed and soaked in water for 20 minutes | |
| 2 cups of warm water | |
| 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese | |
| 1/2 cup fresh mint, chopped | |
| 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped | |
| 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional) |
Preparation
Recipe Tips & Suggestions
Rana’s Notes!
Nutrition Information
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist's advice.
See our full nutrition disclosure here.
Never Miss a Recipe
Subscribe to my newsletter for authentic Mediterranean recipes, essential cooking tips, and the latest food news, all delivered directly to your inbox for FREE. Let’s create memorable dishes together!
I would love to hear your experience!
Have you tried making a Mediterranean Rice bowl with zaatar and feta? If so, what ingredients did you include? I would love to hear your thoughts, so please feel free to leave a comment below.