Spiced Rice Pilaf

Spiced Rice Pilaf is a fragrant and flavorful Lebanese dish, featuring fluffy rice infused with warm spices, sautéed vegetables, and toasted nuts. This delightful dish is perfect as a side or a satisfying vegetarian main course.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Vegetable broth - 400 ml
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Carrot - 1 medium, diced
• Green bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Allspice - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Pine nuts - 30 grams, toasted
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak in water for 20 minutes.
2. In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, diced carrot, and green bell pepper. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
4. Add the cumin, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to combine the spices with the vegetables.
5. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot, stirring to coat the rice with the spice mixture.
6. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.
7. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for an additional 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork.
8. Serve the rice pilaf topped with toasted pine nuts and chopped fresh parsley.

Nutrition

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 9 g
• Carbs: 67 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber, which aids digestion.
• Contains antioxidants from the spices, promoting overall health.

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