Rice Pilaf

This Rice Pilaf is a fragrant and flavorful Lebanese dish featuring fluffy rice cooked with aromatic spices and vegetables. Perfectly paired with grilled meats or served as a satisfying vegetarian option, it brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Water - 300 milliliters
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Carrot - 1 small, diced
• Green bell pepper - 1 small, diced
• Cinnamon stick - 1 piece
• Bay leaf - 1 piece
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Ground black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Pine nuts - 30 grams, toasted
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, then soak it in water for 20 minutes.
2. In a medium-sized pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic, diced carrot, and green bell pepper to the pot, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly softened.
4. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot, stirring gently to coat the rice with the oil and vegetables for about 1-2 minutes.
5. Pour in the water, add the cinnamon stick, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover with a lid.
6. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes.
7. Fluff the rice with a fork, remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaf, and stir in the toasted pine nuts and chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 8 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy.
• Contains healthy fats from olive oil and protein from pine nuts.

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