Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Za’atar

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This Mediterranean Rice Bowl is one I keep coming back to — it’s quick, packed with fresh flavor, and always hits the spot on busy weeknights.

This Mediterranean rice bowl is one of my go-to meals for busy weeks — simple to make, full of flavor, and perfect for meal prep. Inspired by farmer’s market ingredients, I toss rice with za’atar, feta, and a mix of fresh veggies like asparagus, tomatoes, and herbs. It’s earthy, vibrant, and comes together in just 30 minutes — no fuss, just real flavor.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Rice Bowl

Farmer’s Rice with Za’atar and Feta

  • 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.
  • A blend of za’atar, paprika, and sumac gives this bowl its signature Mediterranean flavor — earthy, citrusy, and just a touch smoky. They bring warmth, brightness, and bold depth to every bite.

  • 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?

For this dish, jasmine rice is my favorite — it’s fragrant, light, and stays fluffy without clumping. I usually start with 1.5 cups uncooked, which makes about 4 cups cooked rice — perfect for a hearty, shareable bowl. You can adjust the amount based on how many people you’re serving.

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 and grilled shrimp skewers  for a complete and satisfying meal. It would also 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?

  • 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 a 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. Explore other Mediterranean ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, capers, or artichoke hearts for added complexity.
  • 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.
How to Make Mediterranean Rice Bowl with Za’atar

Preparation

1.

Prep & Sauté the Aromatics

Before you begin, prep and measure out all your ingredients for easy assembly.
Rinse 1½ cups of jasmine rice and soak it in water for 20 minutes. In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté ½ cup of chopped red onion for about 2 minutes, until just softened.
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2.

Build Flavor with Veggies & Spices

Add 1 cup of chopped fresh tomatoes and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Sauté for 2 more minutes.
Stir in 1 teaspoon each of paprika, sumac, and salt, plus 2 tablespoons of za’atar for bold Mediterranean flavor.
Add 1 cup of chopped asparagus and ½ cup of sliced Kalamata olives, and stir everything together until well combined.
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3.

Add Rice & Simmer

Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Pour in 2 cups of warm water and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

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4.

Finish with Herbs & Feta

After 20 minutes, remove the pan from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes to steam.
Then, gently fluff the rice with a fork and stir in ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese, plus ½ cup each of chopped fresh mint and parsley. Serve warm and enjoy every flavorful bite!

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5.

Garnish & Serve

If desired, sprinkle ¼ cup of toasted pine nuts over the rice just before serving for extra crunch and richness.
Enjoy your delicious Farmer’s Rice with Za’atar and Feta — fresh, flavorful, and satisfying!

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Ingredients:

1X 2X 3X
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

1
Prep & Sauté the Aromatics
Before you begin, prep and measure out all your ingredients for easy assembly. Rinse 1½ cups of jasmine rice and soak it in water for 20 minutes. In a large sauté pan over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sauté ½ cup of chopped red onion for about 2 minutes, until just softened.
2
Build Flavor with Veggies & Spices
Add 1 cup of chopped fresh tomatoes and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Sauté for 2 more minutes. Stir in 1 teaspoon each of paprika, sumac, and salt, plus 2 tablespoons of za’atar for bold Mediterranean flavor. Add 1 cup of chopped asparagus and ½ cup of sliced Kalamata olives, and stir everything together until well combined.
3
Add Rice & Simmer
Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pan. Pour in 2 cups of warm water and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
4
Finish with Herbs & Feta
After 20 minutes, remove the pan from the heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes to steam. Then, gently fluff the rice with a fork and stir in ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese, plus ½ cup each of chopped fresh mint and parsley. Serve warm and enjoy every flavorful bite!
5
Garnish & Serve
If desired, sprinkle ¼ cup of toasted pine nuts over the rice just before serving for extra crunch and richness. Enjoy your delicious Farmer’s Rice with Za’atar and Feta — fresh, flavorful, and satisfying!

Recipe Tips & Suggestions

To prepare the asparagus for this recipe, you'll want to trim off the tough, woody ends at the bottom. Bend each spear gently until it snaps, and discard the bottom portion. You can also use a knife to trim off the ends. After trimming, you can cut the asparagus into smaller, bite-sized pieces for the recipe.
To keep asparagus fresh in the fridge until ready to use, store it upright in a glass or jar with a little bit of water at the bottom. Cover the top loosely with a plastic bag or damp paper towel to prevent drying. Alternatively, you can wrap the asparagus in a wet paper towel and store it in a plastic bag in the vegetable drawer of your fridge. Stored properly, asparagus should stay fresh for 5-7 days.

Rana’s Notes!

If you have leftovers, Farmer's Rice with Za'atar and Feta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When it's time to reheat, you can simply transfer the rice to a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop by adding a splash of water to the pan and stirring the rice until heated through. Just be careful not to overcook the rice, as it may become mushy. Enjoy!

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.

rana
By Rana

Thanks for visiting my Mediterranean food blog and welcome to my virtual kitchen! Here, you’ll find mouth-watering, wholesome, and nutritious Mediterranean recipes that will change the way you view cooking.

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