Mediterranean Rice from Nando's features fluffy long-grain rice infused with vibrant herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of aromatic spices, delivering a colorful and flavorful side dish with a light, tender texture.
Equipments
- Saucepan with lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Fine mesh strainer
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt
- Black pepper
Use high-quality long-grain rice to achieve the light and fluffy texture essential for Mediterranean Rice from Nando's. Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro contribute vibrant flavors that enhance the overall dish, while sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy richness you won't want to skip. Measure spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and smoked paprika precisely to maintain the authentic aromatic balance. You can substitute vegetable broth for a more intense flavor, but be mindful of the salt content to avoid oversalting. Your Mediterranean Rice from Nando's copycat menu will come alive with these carefully chosen ingredients and attention to detail.
Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water using a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear.
- Finely chop the onion and garlic.
- Chop sun-dried tomatoes, parsley, and cilantro.
- Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cumin, coriander, turmeric, and smoked paprika.
- Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring to combine.
- Add rinsed rice and stir to coat the grains with oil and spices.
- Pour in vegetable broth and add a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover with lid and simmer for 15–18 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
- Fluff rice with a fork.
- Stir in chopped parsley, cilantro, and lemon juice.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve warm.
Substitution
Mediterranean Rice from Nando's copycat menu can be adapted easily to fit what you have on hand; if sun-dried tomatoes are unavailable, roasted red peppers or chopped sun-ripened tomatoes offer a similar burst of flavor. You can substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth for a richer taste, or use water combined with a bouillon cube if necessary. Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro can be replaced with dried herbs, but reduce the quantity by half to avoid overpowering the dish. Olive oil can be swapped with avocado oil or another light cooking oil without affecting the flavor significantly. When cooking the rice, avoid lifting the lid frequently to maintain the fluffy texture; use a fine mesh strainer to rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking for the best results.
Tips
Rinsing your long-grain rice thoroughly until the water runs clear prevents excess starch from making the rice sticky, ensuring a fluffy texture. Use a tight-fitting lid during simmering to trap steam and cook the rice evenly without drying it out. After cooking, letting the rice sit covered for 5 minutes allows the grains to firm up and absorb any remaining moisture. When stirring in fresh herbs and lemon juice, do so gently to maintain their bright flavor and avoid mashing the rice.
Nutritions
Mediterranean Rice from Nando's is a nutrient-rich side dish, providing a good source of complex carbohydrates from long-grain rice that supports sustained energy release. Olive oil contributes healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which promote heart health. The inclusion of herbs like parsley and cilantro adds vitamins A, C, and K, while sun-dried tomatoes offer lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Your meal benefits from a combination of spices and fresh ingredients that enhance flavor without added sugars or unhealthy fats.
Storage
Store your Mediterranean Rice in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture buildup. Keep it refrigerated for up to 4 days, ensuring it is cooled to room temperature before sealing. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of vegetable broth to restore its tender texture and vibrant flavors.
Variation or Alternatives
You can replace long-grain rice with basmati or jasmine rice for a slightly different aroma and texture. Substitute vegetable broth with chicken broth to add a richer flavor profile. Adding toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds before serving introduces a pleasant crunch. For a spicier version, mix in a finely chopped green chili or a pinch of red chili flakes during the sauteing process.
Allergies
Mediterranean Rice from Nando's contains common allergens like garlic and onion, which may cause sensitivity in some individuals. The use of spices such as cumin and coriander could also trigger reactions for those with specific spice allergies. Be sure to check your tolerance to ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and herbs, as these can sometimes cause allergic reactions depending on your personal sensitivities.
Why this recipe?
The Mediterranean Rice menu at Nando's is loved for its vibrant blend of fragrant basmati rice, sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of aromatic herbs like coriander and parsley. Its perfectly balanced flavors complement the signature peri-peri chicken, creating a satisfying and wholesome meal experience. You'll find this dish both flavorful and healthy, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate Mediterranean cuisine with a spicy twist. Replicating the recipe at home allows you to enjoy this savory side dish anytime while customizing the spice level to your preference.