Middle East Rice Salad

Middle East Rice Salad Recipe - Arabian Cuisine

Region / culture: Arabia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Middle Eastern Rice Salad is a flavorful and refreshing dish that combines the nutty taste of rice with the freshness of vegetables and herbs. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

History

Middle Eastern Rice Salad has its roots in the traditional cuisine of the Middle East, where rice is a staple ingredient. The combination of rice with fresh vegetables and herbs is a common practice in Middle Eastern cooking, creating a dish that is both nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients

3 cups of hot cooked rice
0.25 cup of vegetable oil
2 tbsp of lemon juice
0.75 tsp of seasoned pepper
0.5 tsp of salt
0.5 tsp of crushed rosemary leaves
0.5 tsp of ground oregano
0.5 tsp of minced garlic
0.5 tsp of crushed mint leaves
1 small zucchini, thinly sliced
1 medium tomato, peeled, seeded, and chopped
4 oz (113 g) of feta cheese, cut into small cubes (about 0.67 cup) (optional)

How to prepare

Spoon the rice into a large mixing bowl.
Blend the oil, lemon juice, pepper, salt, rosemary, oregano, garlic, and mint; stir into the rice. Cover and let it cool.
Add the zucchini, tomato, and feta cheese.
Serve at room temperature or chill before serving.

Variations

Add diced cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch.
Substitute quinoa or couscous for the rice for a different texture.
Add chickpeas or grilled shrimp for added protein.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the rice until it is tender but still slightly firm, as it will continue to absorb the flavors of the dressing as it cools.

- For a more intense flavor, you can toast the rice in a dry skillet before cooking it.

- Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables and herbs, such as cucumbers, bell peppers, or parsley.

Serving Suggestions

Middle Eastern Rice Salad can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or lamb, or enjoyed on its own as a light lunch. It pairs well with a dollop of yogurt or a drizzle of tahini sauce.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the rice according to package instructions for best results.

- Allow the salad to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of rice for this recipe, such as basmati, jasmine, or brown rice.

- If you don't have feta cheese, you can substitute with goat cheese or omit it altogether.

Make Ahead Tips

Middle Eastern Rice Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Middle Eastern Rice Salad in a large serving bowl garnished with fresh herbs, such as parsley or mint, for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Middle Eastern Rice Salad pairs well with grilled meats, such as chicken or lamb, and is also delicious with falafel or hummus.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Middle Eastern Rice Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few minutes or enjoy cold.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Middle Eastern Rice Salad contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

One serving of Middle Eastern Rice Salad contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

One serving of Middle Eastern Rice Salad contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

One serving of Middle Eastern Rice Salad contains approximately 6 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Middle Eastern Rice Salad is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (feta cheese), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy allergies.

Summary

Middle Eastern Rice Salad is a nutritious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a balanced diet.

Summary

Middle Eastern Rice Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue. With its flavorful dressing and fresh vegetables, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Middle East Rice Salad. It was a hot summer day, and I had been invited to a potluck at a friend's house. As I walked into the kitchen, I was greeted by a tantalizing aroma that led me straight to the source - a colorful bowl of rice salad sitting on the counter.

My friend, a well-traveled woman with a passion for cooking, explained that she had learned this recipe while visiting the Middle East. She recounted her experience of wandering through bustling markets, sampling exotic spices, and watching skilled cooks effortlessly create dishes that were a feast for the senses.

Intrigued by her story, I asked if she would be willing to share the recipe with me. With a smile, she handed me a worn piece of paper that had been passed down through generations of her family. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I could feel my excitement building. This was something special, something that I knew would become a cherished addition to my own collection of recipes.

I rushed home that evening, eager to recreate the magic of the Middle East in my own kitchen. I gathered all the necessary ingredients - fragrant basmati rice, colorful vegetables, sweet raisins, and a medley of spices that would transport me to a far-off land with each bite.

As I cooked, I could almost hear the bustling sounds of a busy marketplace, the chatter of vendors haggling over prices, the sizzle of food being prepared on open flames. I stirred the spices into the rice, watching as they transformed the humble grains into a fragrant masterpiece.

The final touch was a drizzle of tangy dressing made from lemon juice, olive oil, and a hint of honey. As I tossed everything together, the colors and flavors mingled to create a dish that was as beautiful as it was delicious.

When I took my first bite, I was transported to a world of bold flavors and exotic aromas. The sweetness of the raisins complemented the savory rice, while the crunch of fresh vegetables added a delightful texture. Each bite was a symphony of tastes that danced on my palate, leaving me craving more.

I shared the dish with my family, who marveled at the exotic flavors and begged me to make it again. From that day on, Middle East Rice Salad became a staple in our household, a dish that brought a taste of the world into our humble kitchen.

As the years went by, I continued to make the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. I added extra spices for a bolder flavor, swapped out vegetables depending on what was in season, and experimented with different types of rice to see how they would alter the dish.

Each time I made Middle East Rice Salad, I felt a connection to the rich culinary traditions of a distant land. It was a reminder that food has the power to transcend borders and bring people together, no matter how far apart they may be.

Now, as I pass this recipe on to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will feel the same sense of wonder and excitement that I did all those years ago. May this dish become a cherished part of your own culinary journey, a reminder of the beauty and magic that can be found in a simple bowl of rice salad. Bon appétit!