Spiced Rice with Nuts

Spiced Rice with Nuts is a fragrant and flavorful Lebanese dish that combines basmati rice with a medley of spices and crunchy nuts. Perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare, it makes for a delightful accompaniment to any meal.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Water - 300 milliliters
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Cinnamon stick - 1
• Cardamom pods - 2, crushed
• Allspice - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Mixed nuts (almonds, cashews, pistachios) - 50 grams, chopped
• Raisins - 30 grams
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped (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 pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic, cinnamon stick, crushed cardamom pods, and allspice to the pot, stirring for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot, stirring well to coat the rice with the spices and oil for about 2 minutes.
5. Pour in the water and add the salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice has absorbed all the water.
6. While the rice cooks, toast the mixed nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden, about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
7. Once the rice is cooked, remove from heat and let it stand covered for 5 minutes.
8. Fluff the rice with a fork, then gently fold in the toasted nuts and raisins.
9. Serve the spiced rice warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 66 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber and nutrients from the nuts and rice.
• Contains antioxidants from spices like cinnamon and cardamom.

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