Moroccan Rice

Fragrant Moroccan rice pilaf with spices, dried fruit and nuts - perfect with tagine, grilled meats or enjoyed on its own. Simple, flavorful, and delicious!

📝 Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or other cooking oil)
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (or garlic paste)
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
• pinch of ground cloves
• 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and drained
• 1 3/4 cups (420ml) hot vegetable stock (made from one stock cube)
• 2 tablespoons butter (30g/1oz)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons raisins
• 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
• 1/4 cup pistachios, roughly chopped
• 1/4 cup almonds, toasted and roughly chopped
• coriander for garnish

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat and add the chopped onions. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent. Be careful not to brown them too much and reduce the heat if necessary.
2. 2Add the garlic, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, black pepper, and a pinch of cloves. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes, until the spices are well-coated in the oil and become fragrant.
3. 3Add the drained rice and stir through the spices for 1-2 minutes, ensuring all the grains are coated in the oily spice mixture.
4. 4Next, add the hot vegetable stock, butter, salt, raisins, and dried apricots. Stir until combined and bring the rice mixture to a simmer. Cover tightly with a lid (use something heavy if your lid doesn't fit snugly) and cook undisturbed over low heat for 15-18 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed.
5. 5Remove the saucepan from the heat, keep the lid on and let the rice rest for 10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains.
6. 6Add the chopped pistachios and almonds, gently stirring them through the rice. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. 7Finish with a flourish of chopped fresh coriander and, if desired, more nuts and dried fruit.