Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups basmati rice
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 cup peas
- 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot with lid
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer and add it to a large pot with 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes or until softened.
3. Add the cinnamon, cumin, coriander, turmeric, cardamom, allspice, black pepper, and salt to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
4. Add the carrots, green beans, peas, chickpeas, and raisins to the skillet. Stir well to coat the vegetables in the spice mixture.
5. Cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
6. In a small mixing bowl, combine the yogurt and chopped mint leaves. Stir well to combine.
7. Once the rice and vegetable mixture are both cooked, combine them in the pot with the rice. Stir well to combine.
8. Serve the vegetable quzi with a dollop of mint yogurt sauce on top and a sprinkle of slivered almonds.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 550
Fat: 25g
Carbohydrates: 72g
Protein: 12g
Fiber: 8g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Brown rice can be used instead of basmati rice.
- Any combination of vegetables can be used, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or broccoli.
- Raisins can be substituted with dried cranberries or apricots.
- Cashews or pistachios can be used instead of almonds.
- Greek yogurt can be used instead of plain yogurt.
Variations:
- Add a can of diced tomatoes to the vegetable mixture for a tomato-based quzi.
- Use vegetable broth instead of water to cook the rice for added flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of harissa paste to the vegetable mixture for a spicy kick.
Tips and tricks:
- Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch.
- Use a fork to fluff the rice after it has cooked to prevent clumping.
- Toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for added flavor.
Storage instructions:
Store leftover vegetable quzi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat the vegetable quzi in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the vegetable quzi in a large serving dish with the mint yogurt sauce on top and a sprinkle of slivered almonds.
Garnishes:
Fresh mint leaves and lemon wedges.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of naan bread or pita bread.
- Pair with a side salad of mixed greens and a lemon vinaigrette.
Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Grilled eggplant
- Steamed broccoli
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the rice is too dry, add a splash of water and stir well.
- If the vegetables are too soft, cook them for less time or use firmer vegetables.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the vegetables to a safe temperature of 165°F.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Quzi is a traditional Middle Eastern dish that is typically made with lamb or beef. This vegetarian version uses a variety of vegetables and spices for a flavorful and hearty meal.
Flavor profiles:
The vegetable quzi is savory and slightly sweet from the raisins. The mint yogurt sauce adds a refreshing and tangy flavor.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the vegetable quzi as a main dish for a vegetarian dinner or as a side dish for a larger meal.
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Region: Indian