Golden Moroccan Rice with Toasted Nuts and Orange

Moroccan Rice Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 200g basmati rice, rinsed
• 500-750ml vegetable stock
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
• 65g pine nuts
• 80g slivered almonds
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/4 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 65g raisins
• Zest and juice of 1 orange
• 1/3 cup fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Rice:

   • Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.

2. Cook the Rice:

   • Place the rinsed rice in a microwave-safe rice cooker or bowl.
   • Add enough vegetable stock to cover the rice by about 2cm.
   • Cover with a lid or a double layer of plastic wrap.
   • Microwave on High (800 watts / 100%) for 5 minutes.
   • Reduce the microwave power to Medium (500 watts / 50%) and microwave for an additional 7 minutes.
   • Remove from the microwave and set aside.

3. Prepare the Nut and Spice Mixture:

   • In another microwave-safe bowl, combine olive oil, chopped yellow onion, pine nuts, slivered almonds, ground cumin, ground turmeric, ground cinnamon, and chili powder.

4. Toast the Nut Mixture:

   • Cook the nut and spice mixture uncovered in the microwave, stirring every minute, on High for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the nuts are toasted and the mixture is fragrant.

5. Add Raisins and Orange:

   • Stir in the raisins, and add the zest and juice of the orange to the nut mixture.

6. Combine Everything:

   • Add the nut and spice mixture along with the chopped fresh coriander to the cooked rice.
   • Gently stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.

7. Season and Serve:

   • Taste the Moroccan rice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your preference.
   • Serve hot as a delicious side dish, or pair it with char-grilled lamb cutlets for a complete meal.

This Moroccan rice recipe offers a flavorful blend of spices, nuts, and fruits, creating a dish that’s aromatic and satisfying. Perfect for a quick and easy meal preparation using the microwave, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or whenever you crave a taste of Moroccan cuisine. The combination of cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, and chili powder adds depth to the dish, while the toasted nuts and sweet raisins provide contrasting textures and flavors. The addition of orange zest and juice brightens up the dish, adding a hint of citrusy freshness. Overall, this recipe promises to be a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire, bringing a taste of North African cuisine to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe and make it your own by adjusting the spices and ingredients to suit your personal taste preferences.