Traditional Arabic Rice

Experience the warm, aromatic flavors of the Middle East with this Traditional Arabic Rice recipe, a delightful side dish that’s both versatile and comforting. Made with fragrant long-grain basmati rice, golden vermicelli noodles, and a rich blend of spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cumin, this dish is infused with irresistible depth and warmth. Ghee lends a buttery richness, while toasted slivered almonds and plump raisins provide a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness. This one-pot wonder is perfect for pairing with grilled meats, kebabs, or hearty stews, and its gorgeous garnish of fresh parsley makes it a feast for the eyes as well. Ready in under an hour, this recipe is a celebration of authentic Arabic cuisine, combining simple ingredients with bold, unforgettable flavors. Perfect for your next family gathering or a special weeknight treat!

Nutriscore Rating: 68/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups long-grain basmati rice
• 3.5 cups water
• 3 tablespoons ghee or clarified butter
• 1 large, finely chopped onion
• 1 cup vermicelli noodles
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.25 teaspoon allspice
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh parsley
• 0.5 cup slivered almonds
• 0.5 cup raisins

Directions

Step 1

Rinse the basmati rice under cold running water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice in water for 20 minutes, then drain thoroughly.

Step 2

In a large pot, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until golden brown, about 5 minutes.

Step 3

Add the vermicelli noodles to the onions and fry until the noodles become golden brown, stirring continuously to avoid burning.

Step 4

Stir in the rinsed and drained rice and cook for 2 minutes, allowing the rice to absorb some of the flavors.

Step 5

Sprinkle the ground cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, allspice, salt, and black pepper over the rice. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 6

Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the water is completely absorbed.

Step 7

While the rice is cooking, in a small skillet, sauté the slivered almonds over medium heat until they are golden brown. Set aside.

Step 8

In the same skillet, lightly toast the raisins until they puff up, about 1-2 minutes. Set aside.

Step 9

Once the rice is cooked, turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes to allow any remaining steam to finish cooking the rice.

Step 10

Fluff the rice with a fork and transfer it to a serving dish.

Step 11

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, toasted slivered almonds, and raisins before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1732.9 grams (1732.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2922

Total Fat 80.40g	103%
Saturated Fat 29.90g	150%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 109mg	36%
Sodium 2448mg	106%
Total Carbohydrate 500.40g	182%
Dietary Fiber 25.30g	90%
Total Sugars 66.30g
Protein 55.30g	111%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 441mg	34%
Iron 14mg	77%
Potassium 2055mg	44%

*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: 24.6%

Protein: 7.5%

Carbs: 67.9%