Easy Mediterranean Lunch Recipe with Herbed Rice and Vegetables

A delicious Mediterranean lunch recipe featuring fluffy rice cooked with garlic, onion, colorful bell peppers, and fragrant herbs. This dish brings together fresh ingredients and bold flavors in a healthy, satisfying way. Perfect as a vegetarian main or a side dish with grilled meats or fish, this Mediterranean rice is ideal for meal prep or a refreshing midday meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain rice (basmati or jasmine)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
• 1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley or mint

Directions

1. Rinse 1 cup of long-grain rice under cold water and drain well.
2. In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté 1 finely chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves for 2 minutes.
4. Add 1/2 red and 1/2 yellow bell pepper (diced) and cook for 3 minutes.
5. Stir in the rice, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, salt, and pepper.
6. Toast the rice for 1 minute.
7. Add 2 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat.
8. Simmer for 15–18 minutes until rice is tender and broth is absorbed.
9. Remove from heat, fluff rice, and mix in juice of 1/2 lemon and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley.
10. Serve warm with extra herbs or a lemon wedge.