Heart-Healthy Traditional Arabic Rice
Discover the wholesome twist on a classic with this Heart-Healthy Traditional Arabic Rice recipe! Made with nutrient-rich brown basmati rice and infused with the warming flavors of cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, and cardamom, this dish is both aromatic and packed with health benefits. Extra virgin olive oil, lightly toasted almonds, and juicy raisins add a delightful texture and natural sweetness, while fresh parsley provides a pop of color and freshness. Cooking with low-sodium vegetable broth ensures this dish stays heart-friendly without compromising on flavor. Perfect as a satisfying side or paired with lean proteins like grilled chicken or baked tofu, this recipe is easy to prepare with simple steps and ready in under an hour. Bring the rich culinary traditions of Arabic cuisine to your table in a healthy, flavorful way!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup brown basmati rice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 pieces garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
- 1 piece cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 2 tablespoons slivered almonds
- 2 tablespoons raisins
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 0.25 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the brown basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
In a medium pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
Add the finely chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to let it burn.
Stir in the ground cumin, turmeric, and cardamom, and sauté for 30 seconds to release the spices' aroma.
Add the rinsed brown basmati rice to the pot and stir well to coat the grains in the spice mixture.
Pour in the low-sodium vegetable broth, add the cinnamon stick, and bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer for 35 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the broth.
While the rice is cooking, toast the slivered almonds in a small, dry skillet over medium heat until golden, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Discard the cinnamon stick.
Fluff the rice with a fork, then gently fold in the toasted almonds and raisins.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste, keeping the quantities minimal for a heart-healthy dish.
Transfer the rice to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve warm as a side or alongside a lean protein like grilled chicken or baked tofu for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
856 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 44.7 g | 57% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g | 22% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 903 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 105.3 g | 38% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.5 g | 55% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.3 g | ||
| Protein | 22.5 g | 45% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 285 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 7.6 mg | 42% | |
| Potassium | 1542 mg | 33% | |
*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.
