Date and Rice Pilaf

Date and Rice Pilaf is a fragrant Moroccan dish that combines fluffy rice with the natural sweetness of dates and a blend of warm spices. This dairy-free delight offers a perfect balance of flavors, making it a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Dates, pitted and chopped - 100 grams
• Vegetable broth - 300 milliliters
• Onion, finely chopped - 1 medium (about 100 grams)
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Garlic, minced - 2 cloves
• Cinnamon stick - 1
• Cumin seeds - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Almonds, toasted and chopped - 30 grams
• Fresh parsley, chopped - 2 tablespoons

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 pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5 minutes until translucent.
3. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin seeds, cinnamon stick, salt, and black pepper, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot, stirring to coat the rice with the spices and oil.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
6. Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes. Then, fluff the rice with a fork.
7. Gently fold in the chopped dates and toasted almonds into the pilaf.
8. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley on top.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 8 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12.5 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Packed with antioxidants from dates, which can help reduce inflammation.

Tags