Sugar-Free Mediterranean Rice

Elevate your mealtime with this vibrant and wholesome Sugar-Free Mediterranean Rice, a flavorful one-pot dish that’s bursting with fresh vegetables and classic Mediterranean ingredients. Perfectly cooked basmati rice is infused with the rich aromas of olive oil, garlic, and a medley of dried herbs like oregano and thyme, then complemented by the tangy brininess of capers and kalamata olives. Juicy cherry tomatoes and zucchini add a colorful and nutritious twist, making this dish both hearty and healthy. Finished with a zesty splash of lemon juice and fresh parsley, this sugar-free recipe is ideal as a standalone vegetarian meal or a savory side dish for fish or grilled meats. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy recipe combines wholesome ingredients, bold flavors, and Mediterranean flair for a nutritious meal that’s naturally free of added sugars.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium, diced Red onion
• 3 cloves, minced Garlic
• 1 medium, diced Red bell pepper
• 1 medium, diced Zucchini
• 1 cup, halved Cherry tomatoes
• 2 cups Vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Capers
• 0.5 cup, pitted and sliced Kalamata olives
• 0.25 cup, chopped Fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch.

Step 2

In a medium-sized pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the diced red onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 4

Stir in the diced red bell pepper and zucchini, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.

Step 5

Add the basmati rice to the pot, stirring to coat it in the oil and vegetables.

Step 6

Pour in the vegetable broth, then add the halved cherry tomatoes, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture once and bring it to a boil.

Step 7

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the rice simmer for about 15-18 minutes or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed the liquid.

Step 8

Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 9

Stir in the capers, sliced Kalamata olives, chopped fresh parsley, and lemon juice.

Step 10

Fluff the rice gently with a fork and serve the Mediterranean rice warm as a side dish or as part of a main meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1467.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1189.7

Total Fat 64.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 9.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.3g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 7203.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 133.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.2g	0%
Total Sugars 35.0g
Protein 23.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 351.1mg	0%
Iron 13.2mg	0%
Potassium 2347.7mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.2%

Protein: 7.6%

Carbs: 44.2%