Mediterranean Diet Caribbean Pineapple Rice
Looking to bring a tropical twist to your healthy eating routine? This Mediterranean Diet Caribbean Pineapple Rice recipe is a vibrant fusion of fresh, wholesome ingredients with an island-inspired flair. Featuring nutty brown rice, sweet and tangy pineapple chunks, and a rainbow of vegetables like red bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and peas, this dish is both nourishing and bursting with flavor. A touch of turmeric adds a warm, earthy undertone, while fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice elevate the dish with bright, zesty notes. Perfect as a light main or a flavorful side, this quick and easy recipe can be prepared in under an hour. Plus, the optional slivered almonds provide a delightful crunch that pairs beautifully with the dish’s tropical vibe. Whether you're following a Mediterranean diet or just craving something unique, this colorful and nutritious pineapple rice is sure to delight your taste buds!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup pineapple chunks, fresh or canned in juice, drained
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 0.5 cup frozen peas
- 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 0.25 cup slivered almonds, optional
Instructions
Rinse the brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps to remove excess starch and achieve a fluffier rice texture once cooked.
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add the rinsed rice, cover with a lid, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until the rice is cooked through and the water is absorbed.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and saute for about 2 minutes until it starts to soften.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Add the diced red bell pepper to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pepper softens.
Toss in the drained pineapple chunks, halved cherry tomatoes, and frozen peas. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes or until everything is heated through.
Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and add it to the skillet with the vegetable mixture.
Season with salt, black pepper, and ground turmeric. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lime juice and chopped fresh cilantro.
If desired, sprinkle slivered almonds over the top for added texture and flavor.
Serve warm and enjoy your Mediterranean Diet Caribbean Pineapple Rice!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
843 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 32.1 g | 41% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.8 g | 19% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1244 mg | 54% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 128.5 g | 47% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.3 g | 83% | |
| Total Sugars | 44.7 g | ||
| Protein | 22.9 g | 46% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 274 mg | 21% | |
| Iron | 7.4 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 1796 mg | 38% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
