Riz Bil Kousa wa Fawda wa Dajaj

Riz Bil Kousa wa Fawda wa Dajaj is a delightful vegetarian Lebanese rice dish featuring zucchini and chickpeas simmered with aromatic spices. This wholesome meal is not only packed with flavor but also offers a satisfying texture and a comforting warmth.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Zucchini - 200 grams, diced
• Chickpeas - 120 grams, canned and drained
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Tomato - 1 medium, diced
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Vegetable broth - 400 milliliters
• Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Ground coriander - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Pine nuts - 30 grams, toasted (for garnish)

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 20 minutes.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and diced tomato to the saucepan, cooking for another 3 minutes until the tomato softens.
4. Stir in the diced zucchini and cook for 5 minutes, allowing them to soften slightly.
5. Add the drained chickpeas, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
6. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the saucepan, stirring to combine with the vegetables.
7. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
8. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped parsley.
9. Serve warm, garnished with toasted pine nuts on top.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 68 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber, promoting digestive health.
• High in plant-based protein from chickpeas.

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