Almond and Apricot Rice

Almond and Apricot Rice is a delightful vegan Moroccan dish that combines the nuttiness of almonds with the sweetness of dried apricots, creating a fragrant and colorful meal. This dish is a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it an excellent option for a wholesome lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Vegetable broth - 300 milliliters
• Dried apricots - 75 grams, chopped
• Almonds - 50 grams, slivered
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Fresh cilantro - 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak it in warm water for 15 minutes.
2. In a medium-sized pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot, stirring to coat the grains with the spices and oil.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
6. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the chopped dried apricots and slivered almonds on top of the rice, cover, and allow to steam together.
7. Once cooked, remove from heat and let it sit covered for another 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.
8. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and serve warm.

Nutrition

• Calories: 410
• Protein: 9 g
• Carbs: 63 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Contains healthy fats from almonds, beneficial for heart health.

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