Libyan Ruz bil Khudra (ruz mbowkh) Rice with vegetables رز بالخضره

mixed vegetables

🥗Healthier: fresh seasonal vegetables

💰Cheaper: frozen mixed vegetables

Frozen vegetables are often more affordable and convenient.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Vegetable oil is less expensive and has a neutral flavor.

vegetable broth

🥗Healthier: homemade vegetable stock

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Using water with seasoning can save costs while still adding flavor.

cumin

🥗Healthier: ground coriander

💰Cheaper: caraway seeds

Caraway seeds can provide a similar flavor profile at a lower cost.

Wash the rice.

Leave the rice to soak while starting the sauce.

Cover the bottom of a heated pot with oil.

Add sliced onion and cook until tender, stirring.

Add tomato paste and cook, stirring.

Add the meat and season with cayenne pepper, turmeric, and salt.

Add about 2 cups of boiled water and bring to a boil.

Meanwhile, rinse and drain the rice.

Transfer the rice to a steamer or cook according to package directions.

Place the steamer over the sauce pot and let it steam for 15 minutes, moving it around with a fork.

Add another cup or two of boiled water, then add potatoes and chickpeas.

Place the rice back on top of the sauce pot and steam for another 10-15 minutes until sticky but crunchy inside.

Transfer the rice to a bowl and break up any lumps, adding water, 2 teaspoons salt, and a bit of turmeric, then let sit for 15 minutes.

Put the lid on partway to thicken the sauce, ensuring it's not runny.

After 15 minutes, check the rice; it should be tender but firm, not crunchy.

Return the rice to the steamer to drain excess water.

Add hot pepper, parsley, and dill, then steam the rice for a second time for 15 minutes, fluffing with a fork afterward.

Scoop sauce over the rice and mix gently with a fork.

Return the steamer until the rice is cooked through, about 5-10 more minutes, ensuring it's dry, slightly sticky, and fluffy when cooked.

Transfer the rice to a serving dish and ladle sauce over it, mixing through.

Ladle vegetables and meat evenly over the top and sprinkle a bit of cinnamon.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: