Riz Ma' Qamar al-Din

Riz Ma' Qamar al-Din is a fragrant Lebanese rice dish infused with the sweet and tangy notes of apricot, making it a delightful addition to any meal. This dish brings together the richness of rice, the warmth of spices, and the natural sweetness of dried apricots for a truly authentic experience.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Water - 300 milliliters
• Dried apricots - 100 grams
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Cinnamon stick - 1
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Almonds - 30 grams, toasted and chopped
• Cilantro - 1 tablespoon, chopped (for garnish)

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, then soak it in water for 20 minutes.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add the chopped onion. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the saucepan with the sautéed onion. Stir for about 2 minutes to toast the rice lightly.
4. Add the water, dried apricots, cinnamon stick, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed.
6. Remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
7. Fluff the rice with a fork, discard the cinnamon stick, and stir in the toasted almonds.
8. Serve warm, garnished with chopped cilantro.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 7 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber from the dried apricots, promoting digestive health.
• Contains healthy fats from olive oil and almonds, supporting heart health.

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