This Lebanese Rice Recipe for Every Occasion comes together in about 30 minutes and is a delightful one-pot dish that your family will love! It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or as a side for your weekend gatherings. You can easily switch up the ingredients based on what’s in your pantry, it’s a fantastic way to clear out those odds and ends hiding at the back of the fridge! So grab your favorite pot, and let’s dive into this flavorful adventure!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Delicious Lebanese Rice
Here’s what you’ll need to create this dish that’s loaded with flavor, and it’s fairly straightforward!
- 1 cup long grain rice (preferably basmati)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
Let’s Get Cooking!
Once you have all your ingredients gathered, it’s time to transform them into something spectacular. Here’s how to make this Delicious Lebanese Rice:
Start with rinsing the rice. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, this helps remove excess starch and keeps your rice from being gloopy. It’s like giving your rice a nice little shower before it gets to party!
Heat up some oil or butter. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil or butter over medium heat. Once it’s hot and right before it starts to smoke, toss in the finely chopped onions. Sauté those beauties until they’re translucent, about 3-5 minutes. You want to capture that sweet aroma wafting from the pan!
Bring in the garlic and spices. Add the minced garlic, ground cinnamon, and allspice. This is where your kitchen will start smelling heavenly, and you’ll get hit with those amazing fragrant notes. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, stirring occasionally, this is not the time to multitask!
Mix in the rice. Now, stir in the rinsed rice to coat it with the spices. It should start looking super glossy and inviting!
Add the broth. Pour in your chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a light boil. This is when you start getting excited because you can see the magic happening! Bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
Let it do its thing. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed, and your rice is tender. If anything calls for some patience, it’s waiting for this deliciousness!
Optional: Toast some nuts. While the rice is cooking, if you’re using pine nuts, toast them in a dry pan over low heat until golden. Keep an eye on them because, trust me, no one likes burnt nuts with dinner!
Final touches. Fluff up the rice with a fork and mix in those toasted pine nuts right before serving.
And there you have it! A truly Lebanese rice dish that’s bursting with flavor!
Why I Love This Recipe
This is my go-to recipe when life gets a little hectic, and I need something comforting without taking all evening to prepare. It’s such a family favorite! Seriously, last week my daughter gobbled it up and asked for seconds.
The best part is how versatile this recipe is, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, from leftover vegetables to fresh herbs. It’s also a fantastic side dish that can elevate countless meals. Plus, it helps me avoid food waste, and I’m all about that!
If you loved this Lebanese Rice, be sure to check out my Lebanese Okra Stew, my Arabic Chicken and Rice Kabsa, or my Lebanese Lamb Stew With Eggplant for even more delicious meal ideas!
Why This Recipe Works
One-Pot Wonder
This recipe comes together all in one pot, which means less cleanup for you! After a long day, the last thing you want to do is wash a mountain of dishes.
Comfort Food
With tons of flavor packed in, this Lebanese rice is what’s known as comfort food, perfect to enjoy with friends, family, or even just a cozy night in on the couch!
Customizable
One of the best aspects is how customizable it is. Throw in some veggies, like carrots or peas, or switch up the nuts, use whatever ingredients you have lying around. This flexibility is what makes it a staple at my dinner table!
Kid-Friendly
This recipe is easy on the taste buds, making it a hit with kids! It’s approachable enough for even picky eaters. My son often asks for extra rice, and honestly, that’s what I call a win!
Budget-Friendly
Using easy-to-find and affordable ingredients, this recipe is not just flavorful but also easy on the wallet. You probably already have most of the items in your kitchen!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
Lebanese rice is incredibly versatile. Serve it alongside grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even a light salad for a refreshing summer meal. It pairs perfectly with my homemade tzatziki sauce or a drizzle of lemon.
How to Store
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it up!
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to retain moisture, cover, and microwave for about 2 minutes or until heated through. If you have a pot, you can also reheat it on the stove by adding a little broth or water over medium-low heat while stirring occasionally.
Freezer Friendly
Yes! You can freeze this delicious Lebanese rice for up to 2 months. Just ensure that it’s fully cooled before transferring to a freezer bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
So there you have it, delicious Lebanese rice that will have the whole family at the dinner table. I know you’ll love it as much as I do! Fun, quick, and oh-so-tasty, this recipe is simply a must-try! Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends or family who might be hungry for something new and exciting. Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Delicious Lebanese Rice
Ingredients
Method
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, ground cinnamon, and allspice. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the rinsed rice to coat it with the spices.
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a light boil, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- If using, toast pine nuts in a dry pan over low heat until golden.
- Fluff up the rice with a fork and mix in the toasted pine nuts just before serving.