Riz aux Noix

Riz aux Noix is a fragrant and colorful Moroccan rice dish, featuring a delightful mix of spices and a variety of nuts, making it a perfect vegetarian option for any meal. This dish captures the essence of Moroccan cuisine with its aromatic flavors and vibrant presentation.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Carrot - 1 medium, diced
• Bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Vegetable broth - 400 ml
• Cinnamon stick - 1
• Cumin powder - 1 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios) - 100 grams, roughly chopped
• Dried apricots - 50 grams, chopped
• Fresh parsley - 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 20 minutes.
2. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the diced carrot and bell pepper to the onion mixture and cook for another 3-4 minutes until just tender.
4. Stir in the cumin powder, turmeric powder, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon stick, allowing the spices to become fragrant for about 1 minute.
5. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the saucepan, stirring to coat the rice with the spices and vegetables.
6. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 15 minutes until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
7. While the rice is cooking, toast the mixed nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until lightly golden and fragrant.
8. Once the rice is cooked, remove the cinnamon stick and gently fluff the rice with a fork. Stir in the toasted nuts, chopped dried apricots, parsley, and lemon juice.
9. Serve warm, garnished with extra parsley if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in dietary fiber which promotes digestive health.
• Packed with antioxidants from nuts and spices that can reduce inflammation.

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