Arabic cuisine is a treasure trove of rich flavors and aromas, and rice is often the star of the show. With every grain soaked in spices and love, these recipes promise to whisk you away to a world of culinary delight. Get ready to be inspired to create mouthwatering dishes that will impress your family and friends!
Machboos
Chicken Machboos (Bahraini Chicken and Rice) from The Daring Gourmet
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 1 h 55 min Total Time: 1 h 55 min.
Imagine a fragrant blend of spices and tender meat, all nestled in perfectly cooked rice. Machboos, a traditional dish from the Gulf region, features basmati rice cooked with saffron, cardamom, and a medley of spices. What makes this dish special is the slow-cooking technique that allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a comforting, hearty meal that’s perfect for gatherings.
Shirin Polow
Persian sweet rice – shirin polow from Caroline's Cooking
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Long grain rice, butter, orange zest, slivered almonds, carrot sticks Total Time: 1 hr 10 min.
SHIRIN POLO|PERSIAN SWEET RICE from Persian Mama
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Basmati rice, butter, whole carrots, raisins, slivered almonds
Persian Jeweled Rice | Shirin Polo from Oven Hug
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Rose water, orange blossom water, dried cherries, long grain rice, olive oil Total Time: 1 hr.
If you’re looking for a rice dish that’s both colorful and sweet, Shirin Polow is the way to go! This Persian-inspired rice is layered with caramelized carrots, nuts, and dried fruits, creating a delightful contrast of flavors. The cooking technique involves steaming the rice to fluffy perfection, allowing the vibrant toppings to shine through, making it a festive choice for special occasions.
Pilaf
Pilaf is a versatile dish that can be customized to your heart’s desire. With fragrant spices and a variety of vegetables or meats, this dish is all about enhancing the natural flavors of the rice. The gentle sautéing of the rice before simmering it in broth gives it a nutty aroma that makes every bite irresistible, making it a staple in many Arabic households.
Kabsa
Middle Eastern Rice Recipe with Spices, Pistachios, Cashews and Raisins from Grantourismo Travels
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 15 min Total Time: 15 min.
When it comes to a crowd-pleaser, Kabsa steals the show! This Saudi Arabian dish features rice cooked with chicken or lamb and a unique blend of spices, including cinnamon and black lime. The key to Kabsa is the layering method, which results in each grain of rice being infused with the savory juices from the meat, creating a dish that’s bursting with flavor.
Muqbanah
Middle Eastern Rice Recipe with Spices, Pistachios, Cashews and Raisins from Grantourismo Travels
Rating: 5. Ingredients: 15 min Total Time: 15 min.
Muqbanah might not be as well-known, but it’s a hidden gem! This dish consists of rice cooked with lentils and topped with crispy onions and a drizzle of olive oil. The earthy flavors of the lentils combined with the aromatic spices create a comforting meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying, perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Biriyani
Arabic Rice with Vermicelli from Hungry Paprikas
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Vermicelli noodles, long grain rice, chicken stock cube, vegetable oil Total Time: 30 min.
Lebanese Rice from Feel Good Foodie
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Rice vermicelli noodles, grain white rice, cinnamon, olive oil Total Time: 15 min.
Fragrant Middle Eastern Yellow Rice from Weekday Pescatarian
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Basmati rice, pine nuts, butter, low sodium, sea salt Total Time: 30 min.
Biriyani is a celebration on a plate! This aromatic rice dish hails from the Indian subcontinent but has made its way into Arabic kitchens with its own unique twist. Layered with marinated meat and fragrant spices, the slow-cooking technique allows the flavors to blend perfectly, making every mouthful a delightful explosion of taste.
Fried Rice with Nuts
Thai Vegetable Fried Rice with Cashews from Vanilla And Bean
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: 30 min Total Time: 30 min.
Looking for something quick yet delicious? Fried rice with nuts is the answer! This simple dish is made by stir-frying leftover rice with a mix of spices, vegetables, and a sprinkle of nuts for added crunch. Its fast cooking method and delightful textures make it a perfect weeknight meal that you can whip up in no time!
Jollof Rice
Jollof Rice is a popular West African dish that has found a home in many Arabic kitchens. This vibrant, tomato-based rice dish is cooked with a variety of spices and vegetables, giving it a rich, savory flavor. The one-pot cooking method allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Sabzi Polow
Sabzi Polo (Persian Herb Rice) from Cooking With Ayeh
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Basmati rice, saffron, olive oil, spring onions, flat bread Total Time: 40 min.
Sabzi Polo (Persian Herb Rice) from Simply Recipes
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Basmati rice, butter, garlic, fresh dill, vegetable oil Total Time: 9 hr 20 min.
Sabzi Polo (Herbed Rice) from Food & Wine
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Basmati rice, cilantro, egg yolk, fresh dill, whole milk yogurt Total Time: 1 hr 50 min.
Sabzi Polow is a fresh, herbaceous rice dish that’s perfect for spring. Packed with a variety of herbs like dill, parsley, and cilantro, this dish is light and refreshing. The steaming technique used ensures that the rice stays fluffy while the herbs impart a wonderful aroma, making it a fantastic side dish for grilled meats.
Ruz Bil Sha’riya
Arabic Rice with Vermicelli from Hungry Paprikas
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Vermicelli noodles, long grain rice, chicken stock cube, vegetable oil Total Time: 30 min.
Lebanese Rice from Feel Good Foodie
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Rice vermicelli noodles, grain white rice, cinnamon, olive oil Total Time: 15 min.
Fragrant Middle Eastern Yellow Rice from Weekday Pescatarian
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Basmati rice, pine nuts, butter, low sodium, sea salt Total Time: 30 min.
Ruz Bil Sha’riya is a delightful mix of rice and vermicelli that adds a unique twist to your meal. The vermicelli is toasted until golden before being mixed with the rice, creating a nutty flavor that’s simply scrumptious. This dish is often served as a side, but it can easily stand on its own, thanks to its appealing texture and taste.
Spiced Rice with Raisins
Rice with Almonds and Raisins from Allrecipes
Rating: 4.5. Ingredients: White rice, chicken broth, butter, raisins, sliced almonds Total Time: 25 min.
Middle Eastern Raisin Rice from Food.com
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Grain white rice, saffron, cinnamon, olive oil, plain yogurt Total Time: 30 min.
Curried Rice with Raisins from Two Kooks In The Kitchen
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Chicken, basmati rice, curry powder, olive oil, cilantro Total Time: 25 min.
Sweet and savory come together beautifully in spiced rice with raisins. This dish features basmati rice cooked with a blend of spices and sweet raisins, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The technique of toasting the spices before adding the rice gives it a depth that elevates this simple dish into something truly special.
Mujadara
Mujadara is a hearty dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious! This lentil and rice combination is topped with crispy fried onions, bringing a crunchy texture to every bite. The earthy flavors of the lentils paired with aromatic spices make this a comforting meal, perfect for those chilly evenings.
Khichdi
Green Moong Dal Khichdi (healthy) from Honey, Whats Cooking
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Instant pot, gluten free, green moong dal, thai green chilies, khichdi Total Time: 25 min.
Khichdi Recipe | Moong Dal Khichdi from Swasthi's Recipes
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Steel cut oats, moong dal, french beans, porridge, carrot Total Time: 35 min.
Gujarati Khichdi Recipe (Instant Pot Khichdi Shaak) from Spice Up The Curry
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Chilkewali moong dal, bottle gourd, gur, ginger, tomatoes Total Time: 1 hr.
Khichdi is a warm hug in a bowl! This comforting dish combines rice and lentils with spices, making it a staple in many Arabic homes. The one-pot cooking method makes it easy and quick to prepare, while the creamy texture and mild flavors provide a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.
Persian Rice with Tahdig
Persian Rice with Crispy Tahdig from Cooking With Ayeh
Rating: 4.5. Ingredients: Basmati rice, lebanese bread, olive oil, sea salt Total Time: 1 hr 5 min.
Tahdig Recipe (Crispy Persian Rice) from The Mediterranean Dish
Rating: 4.9. Ingredients: Basmati rice, dried cherries, orange, seed oil, cinnamon Total Time: 50 min.
PERSIAN RICE AND TAHDIG from Persian Mama
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Basmati rice, lavash bread, tahdig, butter, vegetable oil
Ah, Tahdig! The crispy, golden crust that forms at the bottom of the pot is the crown jewel of Persian rice. This dish features fluffy rice cooked to perfection, with the magical layer of crispy rice adding a delightful crunch. The technique of steaming the rice ensures that every grain is separate and fluffy, making it an impressive addition to any meal.
Rice with Meatballs
Meatballs and Rice from Sailor Bailey
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Ground venison, feta, long grain rice, bell pepper, worcestershire sauce Total Time: 50 min.
Easy Swedish Meatballs with Rice from BriGeeski
Rating: 4.5. Ingredients: Pork, white rice, beef broth, heavy cream, worcestershire sauce Total Time: 5 min.
Meatballs and Rice from Chelsea's Messy Apron
Rating: 5. Ingredients: Italian sausage, basmati rice, bell peppers, basil pesto, frozen corn Total Time: 50 min.
Rice with meatballs is a fun, comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners! Juicy meatballs seasoned with spices are served over a bed of fluffy rice, creating a delightful combination. The simplicity of this dish, along with its hearty flavors, makes it a go-to for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without the fuss.