Moroccan Rice

Why Make This Recipe

Moroccan Rice is a delightful dish that brings together a blend of spices, sweetness from dried fruits, and the warmth of hearty rice. It’s not just a side; it can stand alone as a satisfying meal. Making Moroccan Rice allows you to explore vibrant flavors and create a beautiful dish that impresses any guest. Plus, it’s healthy and easy to prepare!

How to Make Moroccan Rice

Ingredients:

• 2 cups basmati rice (brown or white, see notes!)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• ½-¾ cup raisins, currants, or dried apricots (chopped)
• 2 cinnamon sticks (or substitute ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon)
• ½ teaspoon cumin (see notes!)
• ½ teaspoon coriander
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric
• ¼ teaspoon cardamom (or nutmeg)
• 1 teaspoon salt, more to taste
• 3 ½ cups water or broth (see notes!)

Directions:

1. Place the rice in a bowl and cover it with water. Let it soak while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. In a large Dutch oven or braiser, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and sauté until tender. Lower the heat if necessary.
3. Add the raisins, cinnamon sticks, spices, and salt. Toast the mixture for about 1 minute.
4. Pour in the water and add the drained rice. Stir well and bring it to a boil.
5. Cover the pot, lower the heat to a simmer, and cook until the rice is tender and the water has evaporated. Brown basmati rice takes roughly 40 minutes, while white basmati rice takes about 20 minutes.
6. Turn off the heat and let it sit covered for another 10 minutes.
7. Fluff the rice with a fork. Add the zest from one small orange and squeeze the juice from the same orange over the rice.
8. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper, orange juice, or ground cinnamon if needed. The flavor should be bright and zesty.
9. Toss in most of the parsley, pomegranate seeds, and toasted almonds, saving a bit of each for garnish.
10. Enjoy your Moroccan Rice warm or chilled.

How to Serve Moroccan Rice

Moroccan Rice can be served on its own or alongside roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or chickpeas for a complete meal. Garnish with the reserved parsley, pomegranate seeds, and almonds for a beautiful presentation.

How to Store Moroccan Rice

You can store leftover Moroccan Rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and cover while heating on the stove or in the microwave.

Tips to Make Moroccan Rice

• Soaking the Rice: Soaking the rice makes it fluffier and helps it cook evenly.
• Adjusting Sweetness: If you love sweeter dishes, feel free to add more raisins or dried fruit according to your taste.
• Spice Levels: You can adjust the spices based on your preference. Try adding more cumin or a pinch of cayenne for a kick!

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe by adding different vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or even chickpeas for extra protein. Experiment with different dried fruits to find your favorite combination!

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of rice?
Yes, you can use other types of rice, but cooking times may vary. Adjust based on the rice you choose.

2. Is Moroccan Rice vegan?
Yes, Moroccan Rice is vegan when made with vegetable broth.

3. What can I serve with Moroccan Rice?
Moroccan Rice pairs well with grilled chicken, lamb, or roasted vegetables. It also works as a filling salad base!

Moroccan Rice

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• Author: ikramnihad
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

A delightful and healthy dish that combines a blend of spices, dried fruits, and hearty rice, perfect as a side or a standalone meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups basmati rice (brown or white)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• ½–¾ cup raisins, currants, or dried apricots (chopped)
• 2 cinnamon sticks (or substitute ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon)
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon coriander
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric
• ¼ teaspoon cardamom (or nutmeg)
• 1 teaspoon salt, more to taste
• 3 ½ cups water or broth

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Instructions

1. Place the rice in a bowl and cover it with water. Let it soak while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. In a large Dutch oven or braiser, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced onion and sauté until tender.
3. Add raisins, cinnamon sticks, spices, and salt. Toast the mixture for about 1 minute.
4. Pour in the water and add the drained rice. Stir well and bring it to a boil.
5. Cover the pot, lower the heat to a simmer, and cook until the rice is tender and water has evaporated (about 40 minutes for brown rice and 20 minutes for white rice).
6. Turn off the heat and let it sit covered for another 10 minutes.
7. Fluff the rice with a fork and add the zest and juice of one small orange.
8. Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or orange juice if needed.
9. Toss in most of the parsley, pomegranate seeds, and toasted almonds, saving some for garnish.
10. Serve warm or chilled.

Notes

Soaking the rice makes it fluffier. Adjust sweetness and spice levels to your preference.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Moroccan

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 51g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Moroccan Rice, Vegan Rice Dishes, Healthy Side Dishes