Rice with Almonds and Dates

Transform your ordinary rice dish into an irresistible masterpiece with this Rice with Almonds and Dates recipe! Featuring fragrant basmati rice, toasted almonds, and naturally sweet dates, this dish is elevated with the warm, exotic flavors of cinnamon and cardamom. The balance of textures—from the fluffy, perfectly cooked rice to the crunch of golden almonds and the soft chewiness of dates—makes it a standout side or light main. Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe is a versatile crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve warm or at room temperature for an elegant yet simple meal. A true fusion of savory and sweet, this dish is both comforting and bold, making it a must-try for lovers of Middle Eastern-inspired cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups Basmati rice
• 2.5 cups Water
• 0.5 teaspoons Salt
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 0.5 cups Sliced almonds
• 0.75 cups Pitted dates, chopped
• 0.25 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
• 0.25 teaspoons Ground cardamom
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

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

Step 2

In a medium saucepan, bring the water and salt to a boil. Add the rinsed rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is fully absorbed.

Step 3

While the rice is cooking, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced almonds and toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown. Be careful not to burn them. Remove the skillet from heat.

Step 4

Once the rice has finished cooking, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.

Step 5

Add the toasted almonds, chopped dates, ground cinnamon, and ground cardamom to the rice. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Step 6

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding a pinch of salt or more spices to your preference.

Step 7

Transfer the rice to a serving dish and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Step 8

Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish or main course.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1127.8 grams (1127.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1345

Total Fat 63.70g	82%
Saturated Fat 7.00g	35%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 1209mg	53%
Total Carbohydrate 180.60g	66%
Dietary Fiber 20.60g	74%
Total Sugars 78.60g
Protein 27.50g	55%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 343mg	26%
Iron 9mg	52%
Potassium 1492mg	32%

*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: 40.8%

Protein: 7.8%

Carbs: 51.4%