Moroccan Vegetable Rice

Moroccan Vegetable Rice is a fragrant and colorful dish packed with a variety of vegetables and spices, offering a delightful taste of North Africa. This healthy rice dish is not only nourishing but also bursting with flavors from cumin, cinnamon, and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Carrot - 1 medium, diced
• Zucchini - 1 medium, diced
• Red bell pepper - 1, diced
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Chickpeas - 100 grams, cooked
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Vegetable broth - 300 ml
• Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cayenne pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Fresh cilantro - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon

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 minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add the diced carrot, zucchini, and red bell pepper to the saucepan. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables start to soften.
4. Stir in the cumin, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and salt, and cook for another minute to release the spices' aromas.
5. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the saucepan, mixing well with the vegetables and spices.
6. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
7. Once cooked, fluff the rice with a fork, then stir in the cooked chickpeas, lemon juice, and chopped cilantro.
8. Serve warm, garnished with additional cilantro if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Packed with vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables.

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