Timman Ahmar
Timman Ahmar Recipe - Vegetarian Long-Grain Rice Dish from Arabia
Introduction
Timman Ahmar is a traditional Middle Eastern rice dish that is simple to make yet bursting with flavor. This dish is perfect for serving alongside grilled meats or as a main course on its own.
History
Timman Ahmar has its roots in Middle Eastern cuisine, where rice is a staple ingredient in many dishes. The name "Timman Ahmar" translates to "red rice" in Arabic, referring to the tomato purée that gives the rice its vibrant color and rich flavor.
Ingredients
- 450 g (1 lb) of long-grain rice
- 400 ml (0.75 pt) of boiling water
- 2 tsp of salt
- 1 tbsp of olive oil
- 1 tbsp of tomato purée
- 2 cardamom pods
How to prepare
- Wash the rice, drain it, and place it in a medium saucepan. Add 400 ml (0.75 pt) of boiling water.
- Add tomato purée, olive oil, salt, and cardamom. Cover the pan and boil on high heat for 10 minutes, until the water has evaporated.
- Lift the lid and give the mixture a quick stir. Then, place the lid back on and simmer for 10 minutes on very low heat.
Variations
- Add diced vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or peas for added texture and flavor.
- Substitute the tomato purée with saffron for a more fragrant and exotic twist.
- Use brown rice or basmati rice for a different texture and taste.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to wash the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch.
- Using boiling water helps the rice cook evenly and quickly.
- Stirring the rice after the initial cooking time helps to prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Adjust the salt to taste, as some prefer a saltier dish while others prefer a more subtle flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Timman Ahmar alongside grilled chicken or lamb for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a fresh salad or yogurt sauce.
Cooking Techniques
The key to making perfect Timman Ahmar is to cook the rice on high heat initially to allow the water to evaporate quickly, then simmer on low heat to ensure the rice is cooked through without burning.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have cardamom pods, you can use ground cardamom or omit it altogether for a milder flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
You can prepare Timman Ahmar ahead of time and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving. Just add a splash of water to prevent the rice from drying out.
Presentation Ideas
Garnish Timman Ahmar with fresh herbs such as parsley or mint for a pop of color and freshness.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Timman Ahmar with a glass of mint tea or a refreshing cucumber yogurt drink for a complete Middle Eastern dining experience.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftovers of Timman Ahmar in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Timman Ahmar contains approximately 220 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Timman Ahmar contains approximately 40g of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Timman Ahmar contains approximately 5g of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Timman Ahmar contains approximately 3g of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Timman Ahmar is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and potassium.
Alergens
Timman Ahmar is gluten-free and dairy-free, making it suitable for those with gluten or lactose intolerances.
Summary
Timman Ahmar is a nutritious dish that is low in fats and calories, making it a healthy option for a balanced diet.
Summary
Timman Ahmar is a flavorful and aromatic rice dish that is perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
How did I get this recipe?
The memory of discovering this recipe is still vivid in my mind. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Lebanon. My grandmother, who was a fantastic cook, had invited me into the kitchen to help her prepare a special dish for a family gathering. As we stood side by side, she began to tell me the story of Timman Ahmar, a traditional Lebanese rice dish that has been passed down through generations.
She told me that Timman Ahmar, which translates to "red rice" in Arabic, was a staple in our family's kitchen. It was a dish that was made for special occasions and celebrations, a dish that brought people together and filled their bellies with warmth and comfort. My grandmother explained that the recipe had been handed down to her from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her, and so on.
I watched in awe as my grandmother expertly measured out the ingredients and stirred them together in a large pot. She explained that the key to making Timman Ahmar was in the spices – a blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice that gave the dish its distinctive flavor and aroma. As the rice simmered on the stove, the kitchen filled with the fragrant scent of the spices, and I knew that this dish was going to be something truly special.
As we sat down to eat, my grandmother served the Timman Ahmar in a large platter, garnished with roasted almonds and pine nuts. The rice was fluffy and tender, each grain infused with the rich flavors of the spices. As I took my first bite, I knew that this dish would become one of my favorites, a recipe that I would cherish and pass down to future generations.
Over the years, I have made Timman Ahmar countless times, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. I have experimented with different spices and ingredients, adapting the dish to suit my own tastes and preferences. But no matter how many times I make it, the memory of that first time in my grandmother's kitchen always comes rushing back to me, filling me with a sense of nostalgia and warmth.
Today, as I stand in my own kitchen, preparing Timman Ahmar for my own family, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift that my grandmother gave me all those years ago. The recipe for Timman Ahmar is not just a list of ingredients and measurements – it is a connection to my past, a link to my heritage and my family history. And as I serve the dish to my loved ones, I know that I am passing on a piece of myself, a piece of my grandmother, to the next generation.
As I sit down to eat with my family, I can see the joy and satisfaction on their faces as they savor each bite of the Timman Ahmar. I know that this dish will continue to be a part of our family's traditions for years to come, bringing us together and reminding us of the bond that ties us to our past.
And as I look back on that day in my grandmother's kitchen, I am filled with gratitude for the love and care that she poured into teaching me how to make Timman Ahmar. It is a recipe that has brought me joy and comfort throughout the years, a recipe that I will always hold dear in my heart.
Categories
| Arabian Recipes | Arabian Vegetarian | Cardamom Recipes | Long-grain Rice Recipes | Tomato Recipes |