Taziki’s rice is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is often served as a side dish or as a base for a bowl. It pairs well with a wide range of Mediterranean-style dishes, including grilled meats, vegetables, and salads, and is a popular choice for those looking for a healthy and flavorful side dish option.
- Publisher: Pithy Recipe
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Category: Base, Side dish
- Prep Time:
- Cook Time:
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 187 calories
- Ingredients – Instructions – Tips – Serving – Substitutes
Taziki’s Rice
Taziki’s rice is a popular side dish that is commonly found at Mediterranean restaurants and cafés. While the recipe may vary slightly depending on the location and ingredients used, it is typically a long-grain white rice dish that is flavored with Mediterranean spices and aromatics.
One of the key ingredients in Taziki’s rice is the long-grain white rice, which is a type of rice that is known for its light, fluffy texture and subtle flavor. This type of rice is often used in Mediterranean cuisine because it pairs well with a wide range of flavors and can be easily seasoned to create a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Other common ingredients in Taziki’s rice include onions, garlic, tomatoes, and a blend of Mediterranean spices like oregano and black pepper. The onions and garlic add depth and flavor to the dish, while the tomatoes provide a sweet and slightly acidic note that balances out the other flavors.
The Mediterranean spices used in Taziki’s rice are typically a blend of dried herbs and spices that are commonly found in the region. These may include oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, as well as ground black pepper and other spices. These spices add a layer of complexity to the dish and give it a distinctive Mediterranean flavor.
Recipe
Ready for a delicious and easy-to-make rice dish with Mediterranean flavors? Look no further than this Taziki’s rice recipe! This versatile recipe can be served as a side dish, base for bowls, or even as a stuffing. Packed with flavor and simple ingredients, Taziki’s rice is sure to become a family favorite. Try it out today!
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice or long-grain white rice
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Method Instructions
- Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer and drain well.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the rice and salt and stir.
- Cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
- Add the garlic, oregano, and black pepper to the skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the cooked rice to the skillet and stir well to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.
- Add the diced tomatoes and parsley and stir again.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the rice as a side dish or as a base for a Mediterranean-style bowl.
Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 4 reviews.
Recipe Tags: Taziki’s Rice, Taziki’s Rice Recipe, Recipe, Taziki’s Rice Mediterranean Cafe, Tzatziki Rice Recipe
Servings
- As a side dish: Taziki’s rice makes a great side dish for Mediterranean-inspired meals. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, lamb, or fish, and a side of vegetables or salad.
- As a base for bowls: Taziki’s rice is a great base for building Mediterranean-style bowls. Top the rice with grilled meats or vegetables, hummus, tzatziki sauce, olives, feta cheese, and other Mediterranean-inspired toppings.
- As a stuffing: Use Taziki’s rice as a stuffing for vegetables such as bell peppers or tomatoes. Cut off the tops of the vegetables, scoop out the insides, and stuff them with the cooked rice mixture. Bake in the oven until the vegetables are tender and the filling is heated through.
- As a meal on its own: Taziki’s rice can also be enjoyed on its own as a main dish. Serve it with a side of Greek salad and pita bread for a complete meal.
Tips
- Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and ensure that it cooks evenly.
- Use a good quality, long-grain white rice for best results. Basmati rice is a good option as it has a light, fluffy texture and subtle flavor.
- Cook the rice in salted water for added flavor. Adding a bay leaf or a few whole spices like cardamom or cinnamon to the cooking water can also add depth and aroma to the rice.
- Sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil until they are softened and lightly browned before adding them to the rice. This will help to release their flavors and aromas and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
- Use fresh or canned diced tomatoes for added sweetness and acidity. If using canned tomatoes, drain them well before adding them to the dish.
- Season the rice generously with a blend of Mediterranean spices like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, as well as ground black pepper. Taste the rice as you go and adjust the seasoning as needed to ensure that the flavors are balanced.
- Stir in chopped fresh parsley or other fresh herbs like mint or cilantro at the end of cooking for added freshness and color.
- Serve the rice as a side dish or as a base for a Mediterranean-style bowl with grilled meats or vegetables, hummus, tzatziki sauce, and other Mediterranean-inspired toppings.
Ingredient Substitutes
- Rice: While basmati or long-grain white rice is typically used in Taziki’s rice, you can use other types of rice such as brown rice or jasmine rice. However, keep in mind that the texture and cooking time may vary.
- Onions and garlic: If you don’t have onions or garlic on hand, you can substitute with shallots or leeks. Alternatively, you can use onion or garlic powder, but keep in mind that the flavor may be less pronounced.
- Tomatoes: If you don’t have fresh tomatoes, you can use canned diced tomatoes or tomato sauce. You can also substitute with sun-dried tomatoes for added sweetness and intensity.
- Mediterranean spices: If you don’t have a pre-mixed blend of Mediterranean spices, you can make your own by combining dried herbs like oregano, thyme, rosemary, and basil, as well as ground black pepper and a pinch of salt.
- Olive oil: You can substitute with other types of cooking oil such as vegetable or canola oil.
- Fresh herbs: If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can substitute with other fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or dill. Alternatively, you can use dried herbs, but keep in mind that the flavor may be less intense.
Remarks
In conclusion, Taziki’s rice is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe is easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be served in a variety of ways.
Whether as a side dish, a base for bowls, a stuffing, or a main dish, Taziki’s rice is sure to impress. Give this recipe a try and experience the taste of the Mediterranean in your own kitchen. Don’t forget to share your experience with us in the comments below!