Timman Asfar Recipe - Vegetarian Long-Grain Rice with Turmeric and Cardamom

Timman Asfar

Timman Asfar Recipe - Vegetarian Long-Grain Rice with Turmeric and Cardamom
Region / culture: Arabia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 | Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Timman Asfar
Timman Asfar

Timman Asfar is a traditional Middle Eastern rice dish that is known for its vibrant yellow color and fragrant aroma. This simple yet flavorful recipe is a staple in many households and is often served alongside grilled meats or stews.

History

Timman Asfar, which translates to "yellow rice" in Arabic, has been a popular dish in the Middle East for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Iraq and has since spread to other countries in the region, each putting their own unique twist on the recipe.

Ingredients

How to prepare

  1. Wash the rice, drain it, and place it in a medium saucepan.
  2. Add 400 ml (0.75 pt) of boiling water.
  3. Add turmeric, olive oil, salt, and cardamom, then cover the pan.
  4. Boil on high heat for 10 minutes, until the water has evaporated.
  5. Lift the lid and give the rice a quick stir, then place the lid back on and simmer for 10 minutes on very low heat.

Variations

  • Add raisins or dried apricots for a touch of sweetness.
  • Stir in cooked chickpeas or lentils for added protein and fiber.
  • Use different spices such as cinnamon, cumin, or coriander for a unique flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to wash the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch.

- Using boiling water helps the rice cook evenly and quickly.

- Adjust the amount of salt to suit your taste preferences.

- For a richer flavor, you can substitute chicken or vegetable broth for water.

- Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to separate the grains and prevent clumping.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Timman Asfar alongside grilled chicken, lamb, or beef for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also top it with toasted nuts, fresh herbs, or a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making perfect Timman Asfar is to cook the rice on high heat until the water has evaporated, then simmer on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cardamom pods, you can use ground cardamom instead. You can also substitute vegetable oil for olive oil if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare Timman Asfar ahead of time and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Timman Asfar in a large platter and garnish with fresh herbs, lemon wedges, or a sprinkle of paprika for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Timman Asfar with grilled kebabs, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Timman Asfar in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or heat on the stovetop until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Timman Asfar contains approximately 200 calories, making it a light and satisfying side dish.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Timman Asfar contains approximately 40g of carbohydrates, making it a good source of energy for your body.

Fats

There is minimal fat in Timman Asfar, with only about 1g per serving, making it a healthy option for those watching their fat intake.

Proteins

This dish is low in protein, with only about 2g per serving. Consider adding a protein-rich side dish or topping to balance out your meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Timman Asfar is a good source of iron, magnesium, and B vitamins, which are essential for maintaining overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary needs.

Summary

Timman Asfar is a nutritious and flavorful dish that is low in fat and calories, making it a healthy addition to any meal.

Summary

Timman Asfar is a delicious and aromatic rice dish that is easy to make and perfect for serving alongside your favorite Middle Eastern dishes. With its vibrant yellow color and fragrant spices, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the thrill of stumbling upon this recipe for Timman Asfar. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a formidable woman, with hands that seemed to have a natural knack for creating delicious dishes from the most humble of ingredients.

One day, as I sat at her kitchen table, watching her deftly chop vegetables and measure out spices, I asked her about the origins of some of her favorite recipes. She smiled, a twinkle in her eye, and began to regale me with tales of her own journey to becoming a master in the kitchen.

She told me about a time when she was just a girl like me, living in a small village in the Middle East. It was a time when food was scarce and resources were limited, but the women in the village had a way of making magic happen with whatever they had on hand.

One day, a traveling merchant passed through the village, selling exotic spices and ingredients from far-off lands. Among his wares was a small bag of golden saffron, a spice that was as rare as it was expensive. My grandmother had never seen saffron before, but she was immediately drawn to its vibrant color and intoxicating aroma.

She saved up her meager earnings from selling vegetables at the market and bought a small amount of saffron from the merchant. She was determined to learn how to use it in her cooking, to create dishes that would delight her family and friends.

With the help of the merchant, my grandmother learned how to make Timman Asfar, a traditional Middle Eastern dish made with saffron-infused rice, tender chicken, and a medley of aromatic spices. The dish was rich and flavorful, with each bite transporting the eater to a land of exotic flavors and tantalizing scents.

As my grandmother shared the recipe with me, I could see the passion and love for cooking that had been passed down through generations. She showed me how to soak the saffron in warm water, releasing its vibrant color and heady fragrance. She taught me how to layer the rice and chicken in a pot, sprinkling each layer with a blend of spices that had been handed down from mother to daughter for centuries.

As the pot simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with the mouth-watering aroma of spices and herbs, my grandmother shared more stories of her own culinary adventures. She told me about the time she had cooked for a visiting sheikh, creating a feast fit for royalty with nothing but a few simple ingredients and a whole lot of passion.

By the time the Timman Asfar was ready to be served, my mouth was watering with anticipation. I took my first bite, savoring the complex flavors and textures that danced on my tongue. The saffron-infused rice was delicate and fragrant, the chicken tender and moist, and the spices added a depth of flavor that lingered long after the last bite had been taken.

As I sat at the table, enjoying the fruits of my grandmother's labor, I knew that I had stumbled upon something truly special. The recipe for Timman Asfar was more than just a dish to be eaten; it was a connection to my past, a link to the generations of women who had come before me, each one passing down their love of cooking and their knowledge of the culinary arts.

And so, as I sit here now, sharing this story with you, I can't help but feel grateful for the gift that my grandmother gave me that day in her kitchen. The recipe for Timman Asfar is not just a list of ingredients and instructions; it is a testament to the power of tradition, of family, and of the simple joy that comes from creating something delicious with your own two hands.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, staring at a pile of ingredients and wondering what to do with them, remember the story of Timman Asfar. Remember the passion and love that went into creating this dish, and let it inspire you to create something truly special of your own. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be the one sharing this recipe with your own grandchildren, passing down the magic of cooking from one generation to the next.

Categories

| Arabian Recipes | Arabian Vegetarian | Cardamom Recipes | Ground Turmeric Recipes | Long-grain Rice Recipes |

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