Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of long-grain white rice
- 2 cups of water
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 cup of dried cherries
- 1/2 cup of orange juice
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh mint
Special equipment needed: None
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh strainer and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
4. Add the ground cumin, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground allspice, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan and stir to combine.
5. Add the rinsed rice to the saucepan and stir to coat the rice with the spice mixture.
6. Add the water, dried cherries, and orange juice to the saucepan and stir to combine.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid.
8. Simmer the rice for 18-20 minutes, until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
9. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
10. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped fresh parsley and chopped fresh mint.
11. Serve hot.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes; Cooking time: 25 minutes
5. Temperature: Medium heat for sautéing, low heat for simmering
Serving size: 4 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Brown rice can be used instead of white rice.
- Dried cranberries can be used instead of dried cherries.
- Lemon juice can be used instead of orange juice.
- Dried cilantro can be used instead of fresh parsley.
- Dried basil can be used instead of fresh mint.
Variations:
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped toasted almonds for extra crunch.
- Add 1/2 cup of cooked chickpeas for extra protein.
- Add 1/2 cup of chopped fresh pineapple for extra sweetness.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika for extra smokiness.
Tips and tricks:
- Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch.
- Use a tight-fitting lid to prevent steam from escaping during cooking.
- Let the rice sit for 5 minutes after cooking to allow the flavors to meld.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
Storage instructions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas: Serve the rice in a large bowl or on a platter, garnished with fresh herbs.
Garnishes: Fresh parsley, fresh mint, chopped toasted almonds, sliced oranges.
Pairings: Grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, sautéed shrimp.
Suggested side dishes: Green salad, roasted sweet potatoes, steamed broccoli.
Troubleshooting advice: If the rice is still crunchy after cooking, add a splash of water and continue cooking until tender.
Food safety advice: Store leftovers promptly in the refrigerator and discard any leftovers that have been sitting at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food history: Rice is a staple food in many African countries, and cherries and oranges are commonly grown in North Africa.
Flavor profiles: This dish has a sweet and savory flavor profile, with notes of cinnamon, ginger, and allspice.
Serving suggestions: Serve the rice as a main dish or as a side dish with grilled or roasted meats.
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