Soy-Free Traditional Arabic Rice
Delight in the authentic flavors of the Middle East with this Soy-Free Traditional Arabic Rice recipe. Made with aromatic basmati rice, warm ground spices like cumin and cinnamon, and infused with the rich essence of cardamom and bay leaf, this dish is a fragrant and satisfying addition to any meal. Perfectly fluffy rice is achieved by rinsing and toasting the grains, and optional garnishes of toasted almonds, sweet raisins, and fresh parsley add a delightful texture and pop of color. Quick and easy to prepare in just 35 minutes, this soy-free and gluten-free recipe is ideal as a flavorful side dish alongside your favorite main course or as a standalone centerpiece for your table. Enjoy the taste of tradition with every bite of this wholesome and comforting Middle Eastern classic.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Basmati rice
- 3 cups Water
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 3 Cardamom pods
- 1 Bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 cup Almonds, slivered (optional, for garnish)
- 0.25 cup Raisins (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the basmati rice under cold water in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and ensures fluffy rice.
In a medium-sized pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, cardamom pods, and bay leaf. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the rinsed rice to the pot and stir to coat the grains with the spice mixture. Toast the rice for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Pour in the water and add the salt. Stir briefly, then bring the mixture to a boil.
Once the water reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and let the rice simmer for 15 minutes. Avoid removing the lid during cooking.
After 15 minutes, turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
Remove the lid and fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
If using garnishes, toast the slivered almonds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle the almonds, raisins, and parsley over the rice before serving.
Serve the soy-free traditional Arabic rice warm as a side dish with your favorite main course or enjoy it on its own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1154 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 43.3 g | 56% | |
| Saturated Fat | 5.4 g | 27% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 2007 mg | 87% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 177.9 g | 65% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.6 g | 38% | |
| Total Sugars | 34.9 g | ||
| Protein | 21.6 g | 43% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 321 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 9.1 mg | 51% | |
| Potassium | 967 mg | 21% | |
*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.
