Saudi Carrot Basmati Rice Zainab's Mom's

Transport your taste buds to the heart of Saudi culinary tradition with "Saudi Carrot Basmati Rice Zainab's Mom's"—a vibrant and fragrant rice dish that’s both comforting and elegant. This recipe combines fluffy basmati rice with the natural sweetness of grated carrots, subtly spiced with whole cinnamon sticks, cardamom pods, and cloves for a warm, aromatic flair. A sauté of golden onions and garlic forms the flavorful base, while a hint of turmeric enhances the dish’s golden hue. The optional garnish of sliced almonds or raisins adds a delightful crunch and a touch of sweetness, balancing every spoonful. Perfect as a main course or paired with your favorite protein, this dish is an effortless crowd-pleaser and a staple for weeknights or special occasions. Easy to prepare in just 45 minutes, this recipe is ideal for those seeking authentic Middle Eastern flavors and a wholesome, spice-infused twist to their rice repertoire.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 3 medium Carrots
• 1 large Onion
• 2 Garlic cloves
• 1 Cinnamon stick
• 4 Cloves
• 4 Cardamom pods
• 1 Bay leaf
• 3 tablespoons Vegetable oil or ghee
• 4 cups Water or chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 0.25 cup Sliced almonds or raisins (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 20 minutes and then drain.

Step 2

Peel and grate the carrots using a medium-sized grater. Set aside.

Step 3

Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.

Step 4

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil or ghee over medium heat.

Step 5

Add the cinnamon stick, cloves, cardamom pods, and bay leaf to the hot oil. Let them sizzle for about 30 seconds until aromatic.

Step 6

Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté until they become golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 7

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 8

Add the grated carrots to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.

Step 9

Sprinkle the turmeric powder, salt, and black pepper over the carrot mixture, stirring well to combine.

Step 10

Add the drained basmati rice to the pot, mixing gently to coat the rice with the spice mixture.

Step 11

Pour in the water or chicken stock, and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.

Step 12

Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly with a lid, and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 13

Turn off the heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

Step 14

Fluff the rice with a fork and transfer to a serving dish. Optionally, garnish with sliced almonds or raisins for added texture and sweetness.

Step 15

Serve the Saudi Carrot Basmati Rice warm as a main dish or alongside your favorite protein.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1861.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1247.6

Total Fat 58.8g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.2g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2535.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 163.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 20.6g	0%
Total Sugars 20.6g
Protein 26.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 357.9mg	0%
Iron 11.5mg	0%
Potassium 1562.2mg	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: 41.0%

Protein: 8.3%

Carbs: 50.7%