Cilantro Lemon Rice

Cilantro Lemon Rice is a vibrant and aromatic vegan Moroccan dish that combines fluffy rice with zesty lemon and fresh cilantro, creating a refreshing side that's perfect for any meal. This dish is both simple to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Water - 400 ml
• Fresh cilantro - 30 grams, chopped
• Lemon - 1, juiced and zested
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and toast it for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Pour in the water, lemon juice, lemon zest, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
6. Once cooked, remove the saucepan from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
7. Fluff the rice with a fork and gently fold in the chopped cilantro before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 6 g
• Carbs: 55 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from cilantro, which can help combat inflammation.
• Lemon provides a good source of vitamin C, supporting immune function.

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