Not Your Typical Rice Side Dish
Elevate your dinner table with "Not Your Typical Rice Side Dish," a vibrant and aromatic recipe that transforms humble basmati rice into a show-stopping side. This dish combines the warm, earthy flavors of cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon with the natural sweetness of golden raisins and the satisfying crunch of slivered almonds. Sautéed onions, garlic, and grated carrots infuse the rice with layers of texture and taste, while a final sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of freshness. Perfect as a companion to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or hearty stews, this quick and easy recipe, ready in under 40 minutes, is ideal for weeknight meals or special gatherings. Whether you're searching for a unique rice side dish or a creative way to elevate your carbs, this recipe promises to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 medium carrot
- 0.25 cup golden raisins
- 0.25 cup slivered almonds
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, then let it drain in a fine-mesh sieve.
In a medium pot, combine the rice, water, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil over medium heat, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from the heat and let it sit, still covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
While the rice cooks, finely dice the onion, mince the garlic, and peel and grate the carrot. Set these aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Stir in the garlic, ground cumin, ground turmeric, and ground cinnamon. Cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.
Add the grated carrot to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cooked rice, golden raisins, slivered almonds, black pepper, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients and flavors.
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. Gently toss to incorporate.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed, before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
917 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.2 g | 58% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.4 g | 27% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2028 mg | 88% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 120.1 g | 44% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.9 g | 39% | |
| Total Sugars | 35.0 g | ||
| Protein | 17.1 g | 34% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 264 mg | 20% | |
| Iron | 7.8 mg | 43% | |
| Potassium | 1132 mg | 24% | |
*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.
