Wishing to infuse your kitchen with the flavors of Lebanon? Look no further than this delicious Lebanese Vegetable Rice Pilaf recipe. Bursting with vibrant colors and aromatic spices, it combines the freshness of vegetables with the heartiness of rice to create a dish that’s not only pleasing to the eye but also a delight for the taste buds.
Lebanese Vegetable Rice Pilaf
Ingredients:
– 1 cup long-grain white rice
– 1 ¾ cups vegetable broth
– 1 small onion, finely diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium carrot, diced
– 1 small zucchini, diced
– 1 small red bell pepper, diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– ½ teaspoon cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Begin by rinsing the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch for a fluffier end result.
2. In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until they turn translucent and fragrant.
3. Next, add the chopped carrot, zucchini, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Stir in the rice, cumin, coriander, and cinnamon, allowing the spices to toast slightly and release their flavors.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth, along with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let the pilaf simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed all the liquid.
7. Once the rice is cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. Fluff the pilaf with a fork, mixing the vegetables evenly throughout the rice.
9. To serve, transfer the Lebanese Vegetable Rice Pilaf to a serving dish and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.
10. Enjoy this delightful dish as a flavorful main course or as a tasty side dish to complement your favorite Lebanese-inspired meal.
Embark on a culinary journey to Lebanon with this delectable Vegetable Rice Pilaf recipe. With its enticing blend of spices, colorful vegetables, and fluffy rice, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Experiment with different vegetables, or pair it with grilled meats for a complete Middle Eastern feast. Bring the spirit of Lebanese cuisine into your home and savor the aromatic goodness of this wholesome dish.
