Moroccan Lemon Rice

Moroccan Lemon Rice is a fragrant and zesty dish that combines fluffy rice with vibrant spices and fresh herbs, creating a delightful vegan meal. It's perfect as a side or a light main course, bursting with flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Water - 400 milliliters
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Lemon - 1 large, zested and juiced
• Cilantro - 30 grams, chopped
• Parsley - 30 grams, chopped
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Turmeric - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Raisins - 40 grams
• Almonds - 30 grams, toasted and roughly chopped

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, salt, and black pepper, cooking for an additional minute to toast the spices.
5. Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir to coat it with the spice mixture.
6. Pour in the water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is absorbed.
7. Once the rice is cooked, remove it from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes.
8. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped cilantro, parsley, raisins, and toasted almonds.
9. Serve warm, garnished with additional herbs or lemon slices if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 8 g
• Carbs: 58 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Water: 0.4 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants and vitamins from fresh herbs and spices.
• Provides a good source of complex carbohydrates for sustained energy.

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