Zaatar Rice

Zaatar Rice is a fragrant and flavorful Lebanese dish that combines the aromatic spice blend of zaatar with fluffy rice, offering a delightful taste of the Mediterranean. It's a perfect side dish or a light main course that is both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 1 cup
• Water - 2 cups
• Zaatar spice blend - 2 tablespoons
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Pine nuts - 2 tablespoons, toasted
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in water for 15 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 sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the saucepan, stirring well to coat the grains with the oil and onion mixture.
5. Stir in the zaatar spice blend and salt, mixing until the rice is evenly coated.
6. Pour in the water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
7. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes.
8. Fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the toasted pine nuts and chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 7 g
• Carbs: 56 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from zaatar, which may support immune health.
• Provides healthy fats from olive oil and pine nuts, promoting heart health.

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