Mediterranean Diet Spicy Fried Red Rice
Bring vibrant Mediterranean flavors to your table with this irresistible Mediterranean Diet Spicy Fried Red Rice! This wholesome recipe combines the nutty goodness of red rice with aromatic garlic, bold spices like smoked paprika and cumin, and a kick of heat from red chili flakes. Juicy cherry tomatoes and tender spinach add a fresh, colorful touch, while a squeeze of zesty lemon juice brightens up every bite. Garnished with fresh parsley and optional crumbled feta for creamy indulgence, this one-pan dish is both nutritious and satisfying. Perfect as a flavorful side or a hearty vegetarian main, this recipe is a delicious way to enjoy a healthy Mediterranean-inspired meal packed with protein, fiber, and bold spices. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s a quick and easy option to elevate your weekly dinner rotation!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup red rice
- 2 cups water
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Instructions
Rinse the red rice under cold water until the water runs clear.
In a medium saucepan, combine the red rice and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 25-30 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Stir in the red chili flakes, smoked paprika, and ground cumin, allowing the spices to bloom for about 30 seconds.
Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften and release their juices.
Toss in the cooked red rice and stir to coat it evenly with the spice mixture.
Mix in the baby spinach, cooking for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
Drizzle the lemon juice over the rice and season with salt and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
Optionally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top before serving for added creaminess.
Serve warm and enjoy your Mediterranean Diet Spicy Fried Red Rice!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1332 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 61.6 g | 79% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.6 g | 78% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 53 mg | 18% | |
| Sodium | 1920 mg | 83% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 168.5 g | 61% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.8 g | 49% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.9 g | ||
| Protein | 30.9 g | 62% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 439 mg | 34% | |
| Iron | 8.1 mg | 45% | |
| Potassium | 840 mg | 18% | |
*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.
