Middle Eastern-style Basmati Rice

Middle Eastern-style Basmati Rice Recipe | Arabian Cuisine

Region / culture: Arabia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Middle Eastern-style Basmati Rice is a flavorful and aromatic dish that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines fragrant basmati rice with a blend of warm spices and a crunchy nut garnish, creating a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.

History

Basmati rice has been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. The fragrant and long-grain rice is known for its delicate flavor and fluffy texture, making it the perfect base for a variety of dishes. This recipe takes traditional Middle Eastern flavors and spices and combines them with basmati rice to create a dish that is both delicious and nutritious.

Ingredients

Spice mix

0.5 cup Vegeta
1.5 tbsp turmeric powder
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground curry
1 tsp ground cardamom
1 tsp ground cumin
0.5 tsp ground red pepper
0.5 tsp salt

Garnish - Nut Mix

2 tbsp vegetable oil
0.33 cup pine nuts
0.33 cup slivered almonds
0.33 cup halved blanched almonds
0.33 cup pistachios
pinch of salt

Rice

1 tbsp olive oil
2 – 3 tbsp basmati spice mix
2 cup basmati rice
3 cup water
0.5 tsp salt

Other

coarsely chopped parsley
plain yogurt

How to prepare

Spice mix

Mix all the spices together and store in an airtight container until ready to use.

Garnish - Nut Mix

Heat a 12-inch skillet on medium-high heat.
Add vegetable oil.
As the pan heats up, add the pine nuts, slivered almonds, halved blanched almonds, pistachios, and a pinch of salt.
Shake the pan and stir the nuts consistently with a wooden spoon until they are golden brown.
Be careful with this step because the nuts can burn very quickly.
If the pan gets too hot and you feel like they are turning brown too quickly, simply remove the pan from the heat and continue to stir.
Rest the roasted nut mixture on a plate lined with paper towels.

Rice

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
As the oil heats up, add 2 – 3 tbsp of the basmati spice mix.
Stir until fragrant for 10 – 15 seconds.
Add the basmati rice to the spice mix and stir until the mix is well incorporated and the rice releases its aroma, about 30 to 45 seconds.
Add two cups of water and bring to a boil.
Leave the rice uncovered until the rice cooks up slightly below the water level. This will take about 5 minutes.
Once the rice reaches the water level, reduce the heat to low and cover the rice.
Cook until the liquid is fully absorbed, about 5 to 10 minutes.
Fluff with a fork.

Garnish

Add 0.5 of the roasted nut garnish to the rice and mix well.
Transfer rice to a serving dish or platter.
Sprinkle the rest of the roasted nut garnish and coarsely chopped parsley on top of the rice.
Season with fresh ground pepper.
Serve with yogurt.

Variations

Add raisins or dried apricots to the rice for a touch of sweetness.
Use different nuts in the garnish, such as cashews or walnuts, for a unique flavor and texture.
Add diced vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots, to the rice for added nutrition and color.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to toast the spices for the rice in oil before adding the rice. This will help to release the flavors of the spices and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

- When cooking the rice, be sure to leave it uncovered until it reaches the water level. This will help the rice cook evenly and absorb the liquid properly.

- When toasting the nuts for the garnish, be sure to keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly. Remove them from the heat as soon as they are golden brown to prevent them from becoming bitter.

Serving Suggestions

Middle Eastern-style Basmati Rice can be served as a side dish or as a main course. Pair it with grilled chicken, lamb, or vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Toasting the spices and nuts for this recipe helps to enhance their flavors and create a more complex and delicious dish. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully to achieve the best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have all of the spices for the spice mix, you can use a pre-made Middle Eastern spice blend as a substitute. You can also adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the spice mix and nut garnish ahead of time and store them in airtight containers until ready to use. This will help to save time when preparing the dish.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Middle Eastern-style Basmati Rice in a large serving dish or platter and garnish with the roasted nuts and parsley for a beautiful and appetizing presentation. You can also serve it with a dollop of plain yogurt on the side for added creaminess.

Pairing Recommendations

Middle Eastern-style Basmati Rice pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and salads. Serve it with a side of hummus, tzatziki, or baba ganoush for a complete Middle Eastern meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Middle Eastern-style Basmati Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the rice in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through. You can also reheat the rice on the stovetop in a skillet with a splash of water to prevent it from drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Middle Eastern-style Basmati Rice contains approximately 350 calories. This dish is a satisfying and nutritious option for a meal or side dish.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Middle Eastern-style Basmati Rice contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and are essential for overall health and well-being.

Fats

Each serving of Middle Eastern-style Basmati Rice contains approximately 12 grams of fat. The fats in this dish come from the vegetable oil used for cooking and the nuts in the garnish. Fats are important for overall health and help to provide energy and support cell growth.

Proteins

Each serving of Middle Eastern-style Basmati Rice contains approximately 8 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body and is important for overall health and well-being.

Vitamins and minerals

Middle Eastern-style Basmati Rice is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, magnesium, and zinc. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being and help to support various bodily functions.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts and may not be suitable for those with nut allergies. Be sure to check for any allergies or dietary restrictions before preparing this dish.

Summary

Middle Eastern-style Basmati Rice is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This dish is a satisfying and delicious option for any meal or occasion.

Summary

Middle Eastern-style Basmati Rice is a delicious and aromatic dish that is perfect for any occasion. This recipe combines fragrant basmati rice with warm spices and a crunchy nut garnish, creating a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Serve it as a side dish or as a main course with your favorite protein for a complete and nutritious meal. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its simplicity. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Fatima in her cozy little kitchen. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the most amazing aroma of spices and herbs.

Fatima was busy at the stove, stirring a pot of Basmati rice that was simmering away with cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon. The rice was fluffy and fragrant, with each grain perfectly separate. I couldn't wait to taste it.

I asked Fatima where she had learned to make such delicious Middle Eastern-style Basmati rice, and she smiled and told me that it was a family recipe that had been passed down for generations. She offered to show me how to make it, and I eagerly accepted.

As we cooked together, Fatima shared stories of her childhood in Lebanon, where her mother and grandmother would spend hours in the kitchen, creating delicious meals for their family. She told me about the importance of using fresh ingredients and taking the time to cook with love and care.

I watched closely as Fatima measured out the spices and herbs, explaining how each one added its own unique flavor to the dish. She showed me how to rinse the rice until the water ran clear, to remove excess starch and ensure that each grain cooked to perfection.

As the rice cooked, Fatima and I talked about our shared love of cooking and how food has the power to bring people together. She told me that she believed that a good meal could heal both body and soul, and that sharing a meal with loved ones was one of life's greatest joys.

When the rice was finally done, Fatima scooped it onto a platter and garnished it with toasted almonds and fresh herbs. The aroma that filled the kitchen was heavenly, and I couldn't wait to dig in.

I took my first bite of the Middle Eastern-style Basmati rice, and it was everything I had hoped for and more. The flavors were bold and complex, with just the right amount of heat from the spices. The rice was perfectly cooked, with a light and fluffy texture that melted in my mouth.

As I savored each bite, I felt a sense of connection to Fatima and her family, to the generations of women who had passed down this recipe with love and care. I realized that cooking was about so much more than just following a set of instructions – it was a way to honor the traditions and memories of those who came before us.

Since that day, Middle Eastern-style Basmati rice has become a staple in my own kitchen. I have made it countless times, experimenting with different variations and adding my own personal touches. And each time I cook it, I am reminded of Fatima and the special bond we share through food.

I am grateful for the day I learned to make this recipe, and for the friendship that blossomed in Fatima's kitchen. Cooking has a way of bringing people together, of creating moments of joy and connection that last a lifetime. And for that, I am truly thankful.