Riz aux Épinards

Riz aux Épinards is a delightful Moroccan rice dish infused with fresh spinach and aromatic spices, offering a vibrant and nutritious meal. This vegetarian recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying option for any occasion.

Ingredients

• Basmati rice - 150 grams
• Fresh spinach - 200 grams
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Vegetable broth - 300 ml
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Ground coriander - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon
• Toasted almonds - 30 grams, slivered (for garnish)

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 until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and black pepper, cooking for another minute to release the spices' aromas.
5. Add the spinach to the pot, stirring until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot, mixing well with the spinach and spices.
7. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
8. Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the lemon juice.
9. Serve hot, garnished with slivered toasted almonds.

Nutrition

• Calories: 390
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 64 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10.5 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins A, C, and K from spinach, which support immune function and bone health.
• High in fiber, promoting digestive health and maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

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