Arabic Bukhari rice recipe

 

🍚 Arabic Bukhari Rice Recipe

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes

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📝 Ingredients

For the Rice:

• 2 cups basmati rice, rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes

• 3 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced

• 2 medium carrots, cut into thin matchsticks

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• 1 tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp ground cinnamon

• ½ tsp ground cloves

• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)

• 4 cups chicken stock or water

• 2 dried bay leaves

• 4–5 cardamom pods

• 1 small stick of cinnamon

• 3 whole cloves

Optional Additions:

• ½ cup raisins (add while simmering)

• ½ cup toasted almonds or pine nuts (for garnish)

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🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the rice:

   • Soak the basmati rice in cold water for about 30 minutes. Drain before cooking.

2. Sauté aromatics:

   • In a large pot, heat oil or ghee over medium heat.

   • Add the sliced onions and sauté until golden brown.

   • Stir in the garlic and carrots. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.

3. Add tomatoes and spices:

   • Add the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook until tomatoes soften.

   • Stir in cumin, coriander, pepper, cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt.

   • Cook for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

4. Simmer with stock:

   • Add the chicken stock or water, bay leaves, cardamom pods, cinnamon stick, and whole cloves.

   • Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.

5. Add rice:

   • Gently stir in the drained rice.

   • Cover the pot and cook on low heat for 20–25 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed.

   • Optional: Add raisins during the last 10 minutes of cooking if using.

6. Rest & fluff:

   • Turn off the heat and let the rice rest for 5 minutes.

   • Remove whole spices (if desired), fluff rice with a fork.

7. Garnish and serve:

   • Top with toasted almonds or pine nuts.

   • Serve with grilled chicken, lamb, or a yogurt sauce.

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🧄 Serving Tip:

Pair it with chicken kebabs, roast lamb, or garlic yogurt sauce and a simple cucumber salad for a complete meal.