Nut-Free Traditional Arabic Rice

Savor the aromatic flavors of the Middle East with this Nut-Free Traditional Arabic Rice recipe, a deliciously spiced dish that's perfect for anyone with nut allergies. Fluffy basmati rice is infused with warm notes of cinnamon, cardamom, and turmeric and studded with juicy golden raisins for a touch of natural sweetness. This easy-to-make rice is prepared in just 40 minutes and pairs beautifully with roasted meats, hearty stews, or grilled vegetables. The caramelized onions add depth, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley offers a burst of color and freshness. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal, this nut-free, allergen-friendly dish brings authentic Arabic flavors to your table. Ideal as a side dish or a fragrant base for your favorite entrees, this recipe is a must-try for lovers of Mediterranean cuisine!

Nutriscore Rating: 67/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 cups Basmati rice
• 3 cups Water
• 3 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Yellow onion
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoons Ground cardamom
• 0.5 teaspoons Turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoons Salt
• 0.5 cups Golden raisins
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming sticky.

Step 2

Soak the rinsed rice in room-temperature water for 20 minutes, then drain and set aside.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil in a medium-sized pot over medium heat.

Step 4

Peel and finely slice the yellow onion. Add the sliced onion to the pot and sauté until golden brown and caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in the ground cinnamon, cardamom, turmeric, and salt, and let the spices toast for 1 minute to release their aroma.

Step 6

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

Step 7

Pour in the 3 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes.

Step 8

After 15 minutes, turn off the heat but leave the pot covered. Allow the rice to rest for an additional 10 minutes to finish cooking through steam.

Step 9

While the rice is resting, place the golden raisins in a small bowl and cover them with hot water for 5 minutes to plump them up. Drain the raisins and set aside.

Step 10

Fluff the rice gently with a fork and fold in the drained golden raisins.

Step 11

Serve the rice warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy as a side to roasted meats, stews, or vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1355.5 grams (1355.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1151

Total Fat 44.10g	57%
Saturated Fat 7.20g	36%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.00g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 2412mg	105%
Total Carbohydrate 175.70g	64%
Dietary Fiber 7.80g	28%
Total Sugars 57.60g
Protein 18.20g	36%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 178mg	14%
Iron 9mg	51%
Potassium 945mg	20%

*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: 33.9%

Protein: 6.2%

Carbs: 59.9%