Low Fat Traditional Arabic Rice
Elevate your meal with this delicious and aromatic Low Fat Traditional Arabic Rice, a healthier take on a beloved Middle Eastern classic. Made with fragrant Basmati rice, low-sodium broth, and a warm blend of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cumin, this dish offers an irresistible combination of flavor and nutrition. A hint of garlic and onion adds depth, while slivered, toasted almonds and fresh parsley provide a delightful crunch and burst of freshness. Prepared with a touch of heart-healthy olive oil, this recipe is perfect as a light side dish or a base for grilled meats and vegetables. With a quick prep time of just 10 minutes and easy-to-follow instructions, this low-fat, wholesome dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings. Add a taste of the Middle East to your table with this simple yet flavorful rice recipe!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Basmati rice
- 4 cups Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 medium White onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 0.5 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
- 0.5 teaspoons Ground cardamom
- 0.5 teaspoons Ground cumin
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 teaspoons Extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Almonds, slivered and toasted
- 2 tablespoons Parsley, finely chopped
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the Basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in fresh water for 20 minutes, then drain and set aside.
In a large nonstick pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Add the minced garlic, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and ground cumin to the pot. Stir well and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the drained Basmati rice to the pot and lightly toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to coat the rice in the spices.
Pour in the low-sodium broth, add the bay leaf, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes to allow the rice to fully steam.
Fluff the rice with a fork and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Discard the bay leaf.
Transfer the rice to a serving dish and garnish with toasted almonds and chopped parsley. Serve warm as a side dish or pairing.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
733 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 15.6 g | 20% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.6 g | 8% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 1756 mg | 76% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 123.7 g | 45% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.8 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.7 g | ||
| Protein | 23.5 g | 47% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 204 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 9.3 mg | 52% | |
| Potassium | 745 mg | 16% | |
*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.
