Dairy-Free Traditional Arabic Rice

Dive into the rich, aromatic flavors of Dairy-Free Traditional Arabic Rice, a vegan-friendly twist on a beloved Middle Eastern classic. Made with fragrant basmati rice, warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and turmeric, and finished with sweet raisins and crunchy toasted almonds, this recipe offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet notes. Caramelized onions and garlic build a deeply flavorful base, while a simmer in vegetable broth ensures every grain is tender and infused with flavor. Garnished with fresh parsley, this vibrant dish is as visually stunning as it is delicious. Ideal as a hearty side or a main course, this recipe is entirely dairy-free and ready in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner or an impressive addition to your next gathering.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 large Yellow onion
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground cardamom
• 0.5 teaspoons Turmeric powder
• 3.5 cups Vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
• 0.5 cups Slivered almonds
• 0.25 cups Raisins
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water in a fine mesh strainer until the water runs clear to remove excess starch, then set aside to drain.

Step 2

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Step 3

Thinly slice the onion and add it to the oil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and caramelized, about 8–10 minutes.

Step 4

Mince the garlic cloves and add them to the onions. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and turmeric powder. Cook for another 30 seconds to release the spices' aroma.

Step 6

Add the drained rice to the saucepan and stir gently to coat the rice with the spices and oil.

Step 7

Pour in the vegetable broth, add salt and black pepper, and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 8

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

Step 9

Meanwhile, in a small skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add slivered almonds and toast them, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 10

Fluff the cooked rice with a fork and gently stir in the raisins.

Step 11

Transfer the rice to a serving platter and sprinkle the toasted almonds over the top.

Step 12

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. Serve warm as a main dish or side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1547.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1761.3

Total Fat 84.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 10.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.5g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4345.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 218.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 25.5g	0%
Total Sugars 47.6g
Protein 47.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 411.1mg	0%
Iron 15.4mg	0%
Potassium 2786.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.8%

Protein: 10.3%

Carbs: 47.9%