Low Fat Traditional Arabic Rice

Infuse your meals with the rich, aromatic flavors of the Middle East with this Low Fat Traditional Arabic Rice recipe. Perfectly fluffy Basmati rice is gently simmered in low-sodium broth and infused with warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cumin, creating a dish that's as fragrant as it is flavorful. Lightly toasted almonds and fresh parsley add delightful texture and a vibrant finish to this wholesome and low-fat side dish. With just a teaspoon of olive oil and a handful of simple, healthy ingredients, this recipe is a lighter twist on a classic Arabic favorite. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s the ideal accompaniment to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or hearty stews, making it a versatile addition to your weekly meal rotation.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 4 cups Low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 medium White onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground cardamom
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground cumin
• 1 Bay leaf
• 1 teaspoons Extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Almonds, slivered and toasted
• 2 tablespoons Parsley, finely chopped
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the Basmati rice in cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in fresh water for 20 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large nonstick pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic, ground cinnamon, ground cardamom, and ground cumin to the pot. Stir well and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the drained Basmati rice to the pot and lightly toast it for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to coat the rice in the spices.

Step 5

Pour in the low-sodium broth, add the bay leaf, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 6

After 15 minutes, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for another 5 minutes to allow the rice to fully steam.

Step 7

Fluff the rice with a fork and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Discard the bay leaf.

Step 8

Transfer the rice to a serving dish and garnish with toasted almonds and chopped parsley. Serve warm as a side dish or pairing.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1509.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	733.1

Total Fat 15.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 1.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1756.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 123.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 6.8g	0%
Total Sugars 5.7g
Protein 23.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 203.8mg	0%
Iron 9.3mg	0%
Potassium 744.6mg	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: 19.3%

Protein: 12.9%

Carbs: 67.9%