Fragrant Arabic Rice
I love rice when aromatic herbs and spices are added to it during or after cooking. This recipe is full of Arabian spices easily found in my part of the world and for those of you living elsewhere, easily found in supermarkets or local Middle Eastern stores. Try this easy cook rice method as described in the recipe or simply use an electric rice cooker (which are really plentiful if you live in the Middle East), where all you have to do is place the rice in the cooker, add water to just a thumb nail above the rice level, followed by all the spices and cook….how easy is that!
Delicious when served with Arabian Spiced Lamb or any roasted meat or salad.
Ingredients
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1 - 2 tbsp oil
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1 large red onion- thinly sliced
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3 cups basamati rice
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1 whole dried lime
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3 - 4 cardamon pods
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1 tsp Karaviya seeds- or cumin seeds
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½ cup pistachio nuts- shelled
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Pinch of salt
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1 large pinch ousfar strands- or pinch saffron
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Plenty freshly milled black pepper
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Pinch of ground crushed chilli- optional
Instructions
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01 Heat enough oil to just cover the base of a saucepan. Add sliced onion and soften.
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02 Add rice, cardamoms pods, karaviya seeds and dried lime plus pinch of salt. Turn in the oil then pour on enough boiling hot water to cover the rice with a thumbs depth extra.
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03 Bring back to the boil, cover with a lid and reduce heat to very low. Allow rice to cook at this low temperature checking now and again. After about 10 minutes stir rice and taste to see if soft and if so remove from heat but keep lid on. Now add the Ousfar strands for the natural red colouring. Mix in well and return the lid. Leave like this until required.
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04 Before serving turn into a mixing bowl. Add pistachio nuts and seasonings, mix well and pour into serving dish and top with a few chopped herbs. Can be eaten hot or cold.
Notes
I use Ousfar to add colour to my rice as I really enjoy the flavour. This can be found in most supermarkets at half the price of saffron. Karaviya seeds are also readily available in the supermarkets – look in the spice section. Fragrant rice can be made ahead of time and either re-heated in the oven or quickly in the microwave. A great family filler at meal times!
