Riz bil Dajaj

Riz bil Dajaj is a fragrant Lebanese rice dish featuring tender chicken cooked with aromatic spices and served atop fluffy rice. This high-protein meal is both satisfying and wholesome, perfect for a family dinner.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 1 cup
• Chicken thighs, boneless and skinless - 300 grams
• Onion, finely chopped - 1 medium
• Garlic, minced - 2 cloves
• Chicken broth - 2 cups
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Ground coriander - 1 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Pine nuts, toasted - 2 tablespoons
• Fresh parsley, chopped - 2 tablespoons

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in warm water for 20 minutes.
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the chicken thighs and cook for about 5 minutes until they are browned on all sides.
5. Sprinkle the cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper over the chicken, stirring to coat evenly.
6. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 15 minutes.
7. While the chicken is cooking, drain the soaked rice. After 15 minutes, add the rice to the pot with the chicken, ensuring the rice is submerged in the broth.
8. Cover again and cook on low heat for another 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.
9. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
10. Fluff the rice with a fork, and serve topped with toasted pine nuts and chopped parsley.

Nutrition

• Calories: 590
• Protein: 36 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Cholesterol: 140 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein from chicken, promoting muscle growth and repair.
• Contains healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts, beneficial for heart health.

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