Riz Bi Laban Wa Dajaj

Riz Bi Laban Wa Dajaj is a sumptuous Lebanese rice dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a creamy yogurt sauce, served over fragrant rice. This gluten-free delight combines the richness of yogurt with aromatic spices for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Chicken breast - 250 grams
• Plain yogurt - 200 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Chicken broth - 250 milliliters
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon
• Cardamom - 1/4 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 30 minutes.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and add it to the pot. Season with salt, black pepper, cinnamon, and cardamom. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Add the chicken broth to the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
6. While the chicken is cooking, drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot with the chicken. Stir gently to combine, then cover and cook on low heat for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
7. In a separate bowl, mix the plain yogurt with a pinch of salt and a little water to thin it out if needed.
8. Once the rice and chicken are cooked, fluff the rice with a fork and serve it on plates. Top each serving with the yogurt sauce and garnish with chopped parsley.

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 40 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 75 mg
• Total Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein, which supports muscle growth and repair.
• Contains yogurt, which is beneficial for gut health due to its probiotics.

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