Vegan Traditional Arabic Rice

Experience the flavors of the Middle East with this Vegan Traditional Arabic Rice, a delightful plant-based twist on a beloved classic. Fragrant basmati rice is infused with a symphony of warm spices like cinnamon, cumin, and turmeric, creating a deeply aromatic dish that's as comforting as it is vibrant. Enhanced by sautéed vegetables, tender green peas, and the crunch of toasted almonds, this recipe is a true celebration of texture and taste. Perfect for a hearty side dish or a satisfying main course, this vegan-friendly Arabic rice pairs beautifully with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Ready in just 45 minutes, this one-pot recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or as a stunning addition to a festive table.

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium White onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large Carrot, diced
• 1 stick Cinnamon stick
• 4 pods Cardamom pods (optional)
• 1 leaf Bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon Cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon Turmeric powder
• 3.5 cups Vegetable broth
• 1 cup Green peas (frozen or fresh)
• 0.25 cup Almonds or slivered almonds, toasted
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 20 minutes, then 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 soft and translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic and diced carrot to the pot. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Step 4

Add the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods (if using), and bay leaf to the mixture, along with the cumin and turmeric powder. Stir well to toast the spices and release their aroma, about 1 minute.

Step 5

Add the drained rice to the pot and gently stir to coat the grains in the spice mixture.

Step 6

Pour in the vegetable broth, then add salt and black pepper. Stir briefly to combine.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 8

After 15 minutes, add the green peas on top of the rice without stirring. Cover the pot again and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.

Step 9

Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the rice to finish steaming.

Step 10

Fluff the rice gently with a fork, then remove the cinnamon stick, cardamom pods, and bay leaf.

Step 11

Garnish with toasted almonds and freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1634.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1458.1

Total Fat 53.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 7.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 5.2g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4392.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 206.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 30.2g	0%
Total Sugars 30.2g
Protein 46.3g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 398.5mg	0%
Iron 17.4mg	0%
Potassium 2783.7mg	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: 32.2%

Protein: 12.4%

Carbs: 55.4%