Riz Bil Qamar al-Din

Riz Bil Qamar al-Din is a delightful Lebanese rice dish made with apricot paste, offering a sweet and aromatic flavor. This dairy-free recipe is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, combining the goodness of rice with the sweetness of apricots.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Water - 400 ml
• Qamar al-Din (apricot paste) - 100 grams
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Onion (finely chopped) - 1 small
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon
• Chopped almonds - 30 grams
• Dried apricots (chopped) - 30 grams
• Fresh mint (for garnish) - a few leaves

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 pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the finely chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the drained rice to the pot and stir for 2 minutes to coat the rice with the oil and onion.
4. Pour in the 400 ml of water and add the salt and ground cinnamon. Bring to a boil.
5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
6. While the rice is cooking, in a small saucepan, dissolve the Qamar al-Din in a little warm water until it becomes a smooth paste.
7. Once the rice is cooked, remove it from heat and fluff it with a fork. Gently stir in the apricot paste, chopped almonds, and dried apricots.
8. Serve warm, garnished with fresh mint leaves.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 6 g
• Carbs: 65 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in dietary fiber from rice and apricots, promoting digestive health.
• Contains antioxidants from apricots and almonds, which can support heart health.

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