Mediterranean Cucumber with Spices Rice
This Mediterranean Cucumber with Spices Rice is a unique side dish that combines fluffy rice with fresh cucumber, warm spices, and herbs. The cool crunch of cucumber balances perfectly with the fragrant notes of cumin, coriander, and fresh mint, making it an ideal side for grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian mains. It’s light, healthy, and brings a refreshing twist to classic rice dishes.
Serve it warm or at room temperature as part of a Mediterranean mezze spread or alongside your favorite protein.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Rice:
1 cup long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine)
1 ¾ cups water or vegetable broth
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
1 small cucumber, diced (peeled and seeded if desired)
2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 green onion, finely sliced (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Spice Mix:
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp ground coriander
¼ tsp ground turmeric (for subtle color and aroma)
¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
1 small garlic clove, minced
Zest of ½ lemon
Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
Cook the Rice:
In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil or butter over medium heat.
Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t brown it).
Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, and smoked paprika, cooking for another 30 seconds to bloom the spices.
Add the rice and toast it for 1–2 minutes, stirring to coat in the spices.
Simmer the Rice:
Pour in water or vegetable broth and add a pinch of salt.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Turn off heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
Finish the Rice:
Fluff the rice with a fork.
Stir in the diced cucumber, lemon zest, lemon juice, fresh mint, parsley, and green onion (if using).
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Serve:
Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish.
Garnish with extra herbs or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for texture (optional).
Serving Suggestions
Pair with grilled chicken, shrimp, or lamb kebabs.
Serve as a side for Mediterranean stuffed peppers or falafel.
Enjoy as a light lunch salad topped with feta cheese.
Tips
Use Long-Grain Rice for Best Texture
Basmati or jasmine rice works best because they stay fluffy and separate, preventing the dish from becoming sticky.
Add the Cucumber at the End
Cucumber should be stirred in after cooking to keep its cool, crisp texture. Adding it while cooking will make it mushy.
Toast the Spices First
Blooming the spices in olive oil for 30 seconds helps release their full aroma and flavor.
Rest the Rice
Let the rice sit covered off the heat for 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the rice to finish steaming and prevents clumping.
Use Fresh Herbs Generously
Fresh mint and parsley are essential to the Mediterranean flavor—don’t skip them.
Variations
Add Protein
Stir in chickpeas, grilled chicken strips, or shrimp for a full meal.
Cheese Addition
Sprinkle in crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy, salty bite.
Extra Veggies
Add diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or thinly sliced radishes for more crunch and color.
Use Brown Rice or Quinoa
For a whole-grain version, swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa (adjust cooking time as needed).
Make It Spicier
Add Aleppo pepper, sumac, or chili flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this rice dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! This rice is great for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Serve cold like a salad or gently reheat.
Q: Can I use cauliflower rice instead?
A: Yes, for a low-carb option, use cauliflower rice. Stir-fry the spices with cauliflower rice for about 5 minutes, then add cucumber and herbs.
Q: Can I serve this cold like a rice salad?
A: Absolutely! This dish works well warm, room temperature, or chilled—perfect for picnics and potlucks.
Q: What’s the best cucumber to use?
A: Use English cucumber or Persian cucumbers because they have tender skin and fewer seeds. If using regular cucumbers, peel and seed them for the best texture.
Q: What proteins pair best with this rice?
A: It pairs well with:
Grilled chicken, lamb, or fish
Falafel or roasted chickpeas
Shrimp skewers or grilled calamari
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 6g |
| Carbohydrates | 34g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Potassium | 180mg |
| Iron | 1.2mg |
Note: Values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients and portion size.
Conclusion
The Mediterranean Cucumber with Spices Rice is a light, refreshing side dish that combines warm, earthy spices with cool, crisp cucumber and fresh herbs. It’s perfect for summer meals, picnics, or as part of a larger Mediterranean spread. Versatile and easy to prepare, this rice works equally well as a healthy lunch, dinner side, or even as a chilled rice salad.