Mediterranean Fried Rice (Gemista Rice)
- Margaret Pahos
- Nov 20, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 29
This Mediterranean Fried Rice is rustic, wholesome, and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavours. Inspired by the rice stuffing from my mum’s famous Greek gemista (stuffed baked vegetables), this dish captures the same mouthwatering, herbaceous taste — only in a quicker, easier way. Every forkful is loaded with soft onions, sweet capsicums, juicy tomatoes, and plenty of fresh herbs, making it one of the most flavourful and satisfying rice dishes you’ll ever enjoy. It's the perfect side to Mediterranean feasts or hearty enough to serve on its own. One bite, and you might just feel like you’ve been transported to a Greek village kitchen! Let’s get cooking!
Why you'll love this recipe
A Mediterranean Twist on a Classic: Traditional fried rice doesn’t always pair well with Mediterranean, Greek, or European meals — but this version is made to complement them beautifully. It’s the perfect swap when you want something familiar yet fitting for a Mediterranean feast.
Perfect for Summer Gatherings: This Mediterranean Fried Rice makes the most of seasonal produce, offering a fresh, vibrant side dish that’s light yet satisfying.
Meal Prep Friendly: Portion it into airtight containers and you’ll have delicious, wholesome lunches ready for the week ahead.
One-Pot Wonder: Quick, easy, and minimal clean-up — perfect for busy days.
Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with colourful vegetables, fresh herbs, and nourishing olive oil.
Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: Naturally suitable for a wide range of dietary needs without compromising on flavour.
Watch How to Make It
Story Behind the Recipe
I wanted a rice dish that would pair perfectly with Greek, Mediterranean, or European meals—something that had the comforting feel of fried rice but with fresh, herbaceous flavours instead of Asian ones. Fried rice is always a hit with family and guests, so creating a version that tasted like it belonged alongside a Greek feast was a must—and it turned out even better than I imagined!
Other Rice Recipes
Mediterranean Fried Rice (Gemista Rice)
Serves 6-8 as a side dish
Prep 10 minutes
Cook 10-15 minutes
INGREDIENTS
Rice:
4 cups cooked basmati or long grain rice, cold and a day old
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil + extra
1 large brown onion, diced
1 green capsicum, diced
1 red capsicum, diced
1 large carrot, grated
1 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh dill, finely chopped
5 green spring onions, sliced
2 tablespoons tamari soy sauce
2 teaspoons sea salt
1 teaspoon pepper
Tomato Salad:
2 ripe tomatoes, diced
¼ cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Sprinkle of sea salt
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Cook the onion and capsicums: Over high heat, add to a wok the extra virgin olive oil and sauté the onion, stirring for 1 minute. Next, add the green and red capsicum and continue stirring for a further 3 minutes.
2. Add the rice: Add the cold, day-old rice to the wok and mix to combine with the vegetables (If you only have freshly cooked rice, allow it to completely cool and spread it over a tray and place it into the freezer for 10 minutes).
3. Add the remaining ingredients: Add the grated carrot, green onions, mint, parsley, dill, sea salt, and pepper and give it a good stir to evenly distribute. Then add the tamari soy sauce and an extra good drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and stir through.
4. Top with the tomato salad: Combine the ingredients for the tomato salad and pour it over the rice. Serve and enjoy!
Note: The rice is not meant to be dry but oily and juicy. If you find at the end of the cooking it needs more olive oil, add a good drizzle all over. Remember, it's Mediterranean rice, not 'fried rice'!
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Recipe and Photography Margaret Pahos @CreateCookShare
