Middle Eastern > Yemeni > Yemeni Rice

Yemeni Mechoui Rice Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of basmati rice
- 3 cups of water
- 1/2 cup of raisins
- 1/2 cup of slivered almonds
- 1/2 cup of chopped dates
- 1/2 cup of chopped dried apricots
- 1/2 cup of chopped dried figs
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot with lid
- Wooden spoon

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in cold water until the water runs clear.
2. In a large pot, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the cinnamon, cumin, and coriander to the pot and stir until fragrant.
4. Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat with the spices.
5. Add the water to the pot and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot with a lid.
7. Simmer the rice for 20 minutes or until the water is absorbed.
8. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit covered for 10 minutes.
9. Fluff the rice with a wooden spoon.
10. Add the raisins, almonds, dates, apricots, and figs to the rice and stir to combine.
11. Season with salt and pepper to taste.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for cooking the spices and low heat for simmering the rice.
Serving size:
This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Nutritional information:
Calories: 450
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 64g
Protein: 7g
Fiber: 4g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can substitute the dried fruits with any other dried fruits you like.
- You can substitute the almonds with any other nuts you like.

Variations:
- You can add cooked chicken or lamb to the rice for a heartier meal.
- You can add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Rinse the rice well before cooking to remove excess starch.
- Use a wooden spoon to fluff the rice to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Toast the almonds in a dry pan before adding them to the rice for extra flavor.

Storage instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little bit of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the rice in a large bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or more dried fruits and nuts.

Garnishes:
Fresh herbs, dried fruits, and nuts.

Pairings:
This rice dish pairs well with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

Suggested side dishes:
Hummus, baba ganoush, or tabbouleh.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the rice is too dry, add a little bit of water or broth and stir to combine.
- If the rice is too wet, remove the lid and let it sit for a few more minutes to evaporate the excess liquid.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to store any leftovers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.

Food history:
Mechoui is a traditional Yemeni dish that is typically made with roasted lamb or goat. This rice dish is a vegetarian version of the traditional dish.

Flavor profiles:
This rice dish is sweet and savory with a hint of spice from the cinnamon, cumin, and coriander.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the rice as a main dish or as a side dish with grilled meats or roasted vegetables.

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Region: Yemeni

Taste: Savory, Spicy, Tangy, Aromatic, Herbal