Riz Bil Batinjan

Riz Bil Batinjan is a delightful vegan Lebanese rice dish featuring fragrant basmati rice combined with tender roasted eggplants and aromatic spices. This wholesome meal is not only comforting but also packed with flavors that evoke the essence of Lebanese cuisine.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 1 cup
• Eggplant - 1 medium, diced
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato - 1 medium, diced
• Vegetable broth - 2 cups
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Ground coriander - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Toss the diced eggplant with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, until golden and tender.
3. In a medium-sized pot, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
4. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
5. Stir in the diced tomato, cumin, and coriander. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the tomato softens.
6. Add the basmati rice to the pot, stirring for 1-2 minutes to coat the rice with the spices.
7. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
8. Once the rice is cooked, gently fold in the roasted eggplant and chopped parsley.
9. Serve warm, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 8 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in dietary fiber which supports digestive health.
• Contains antioxidants from eggplant and tomatoes that may reduce inflammation.

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