SPICED RICE - RECIPE FROM SOMALIA 🇸🇴

long-grain rice

🥗Healthier: brown rice

💰Cheaper: white rice

Brown rice offers more nutrients, while white rice is often more affordable.

chicken or beef

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Tofu is a plant-based protein, while chicken thighs are typically less expensive than breasts.

raisins

🥗Healthier: dried cranberries

💰Cheaper: sultanas

Dried cranberries provide a similar sweetness with less sugar.

green bell pepper

🥗Healthier: zucchini

💰Cheaper: carrots

Zucchini can add moisture while carrots are often less expensive.

Wash the rice. Simply add the rice to a bowl filled with water and swish it around until the water is cloudy, remove the water and fill the bowl with some fresh water then repeat the process until the water is mostly clear. Or just place the rice in a sieve and stick it under running tap water until the water turns clear.

Fry the onions. Add the oil to a large saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the onions and fry until golden. Remove the fried onions from the oil and place onto a plate lined with paper towels. Do not discard the remaining oil.

Sautee the veggies. In the same saucepan, add the diced onions and tomato to the hot oil and saute for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant and softened.

Season. Add in the cubed or powdered stock (if using liquid stock, add it later on when the recipe calls for water) and mash it up with a spoon. Then, add in the garlic, ground coriander, cardamom, cumin, cinnamon, and pepper. Add in salt according to the stock you're using. Saute for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.

Pour in the water (or liquid stock if that's what you're using). Cover with a lid and allow to cook until the liquids have evaporated and the rice is just tender (10-15 minutes, time may vary depending on the rice you're using). The amount of liquid can also vary depending on the rice you're using (some types of rice need more liquid, feel free to adjust that). Once the water has evaporated, give the rice a good stir, then turn off the heat.

Add the add-ins. Evenly distribute the rice across the pan and top it with the reserved fried onions, raisins, and saffron (or achiote powder or food coloring). Cover with the lid and allow to rest for a few minutes. When ready to serve, remove any whole spices you may have used, fluff the rice and give it a good mix to combine the add-ins and coloring. Sprinkle some chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve!

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level: