Low Sodium Traditional Arabic Rice

Elevate your meal with this Low Sodium Traditional Arabic Rice, a wholesome dish that brings the rich, aromatic flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine to your table—without the excess salt. Fragrant basmati rice is infused with a medley of warm spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cumin, while the natural sweetness of raisins and carrots adds a delightful balance. Toasted slivered almonds lend a satisfying crunch, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro offers a refreshing finish. This heart-healthy recipe uses low sodium chicken or vegetable stock, making it a perfect choice for those looking to enjoy delicious, mindful eating. Quick and easy to prepare in just 40 minutes, it's a versatile side dish that pairs beautifully with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. Enjoy a taste of tradition with this vibrant, low-sodium take on Arabic cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cardamom
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground cumin
• 3 cups Low sodium chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 medium Carrot, grated
• 0.25 cup Raisins
• 0.25 cup Almonds, slivered and toasted
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic, cinnamon, cardamom, and cumin to the pot. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the drained rice to the pot and toss gently to coat the rice in the spices and oil.

Step 5

Pour in the low sodium chicken or vegetable stock and stir in the grated carrot and raisins. Bring the mixture to a boil.

Step 6

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let the rice cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 7

Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice gently with a fork.

Step 8

Transfer the rice to a serving dish. Sprinkle with toasted slivered almonds and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1411.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1154.8

Total Fat 45.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 494.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 163.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.6g	0%
Total Sugars 35.6g
Protein 27.1g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 259.2mg	0%
Iron 9.8mg	0%
Potassium 1254.7mg	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: 35.1%

Protein: 9.2%

Carbs: 55.7%