Moroccan Rice Pilaf

Wow, I have really been on a Moroccan kick lately! I’ve made some really tasty things, and I’m happy to share with you. As promised, the side dish to my Moroccan chicken! It's really easy and simple. It doesn’t even have to go with Moroccan food, as it’s just a lovely side dish for any type of meat or vegetarian dish. Try it out!

Ingredients:

¼ red onions

½ red peppers

½ c frozen broad beans

1 clove garlic

Small handful of pistachios

4 dried whole apricots

3-4 dates

1 c. rice

Pinch of saffron

1 tsp. ras el hanout

1 c. rice

2-3 tbsp. olive oil

To start:

Cook the rice.

When cooking rice a good ratio to remember is 2:1 liquid to dry.  Follow this and you’ll have perfect rice every time.

Put the water and rice on a high heat and let come to a boil, add the ras el hanout and saffron.

When at a vigorous boil, cover and turn down to the lowest setting for about 10-15 minutes.

For the vegetables, fruit and nuts:

Dice the onion, pepper, nuts and dried fruit.

In a sauté pan, heat half the oil and fry until veggies including frozen broad beans, until soft, turn off heat and set aside.

To Finish:

When the rice is cooked thoroughly, add to a large bowl and mix the sautéed vegetables and fruits together adding the rest of the oil to moisten and get it all mixed together.

Serve immediately. Enjoy!

Note: I realize I use a lot of ras el hanout, but I think it's such a fabulous ingredient(s) and shouldn't be missed. Try to find some or make your own. I will post a recipe for it in the future if I find a good one myself.