Preserved Lemon Rice

Preserved Lemon Rice is a vibrant Moroccan dish that combines the tangy flavor of preserved lemons with fragrant spices and fluffy rice. This healthy dish is a delightful way to bring the essence of Moroccan cuisine to your table.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Water - 300 milliliters
• Preserved lemon - 1 whole, pulp removed and rind finely chopped
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Coriander - 1 teaspoon
• Turmeric - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Almonds - 30 grams, toasted and roughly chopped

Steps

1. Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then soak in water for 20 minutes.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Add the cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and black pepper to the pan, stirring to combine and letting the spices toast for about 1 minute.
5. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the saucepan, stirring to coat the rice with the spice mixture.
6. Pour in 300 milliliters of water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.
7. Remove the rice from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
8. Fluff the rice with a fork and gently fold in the chopped preserved lemon, fresh parsley, and toasted almonds.
9. Serve warm as a side dish or a light main dish, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 8 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in antioxidants from preserved lemons, which can support immune health.
• High in fiber from rice and almonds, promoting digestive health.

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