Description
Loaded Lebanese Rice is a flavorful, aromatic dish featuring medium-grain rice topped with spiced ground meat, toasted nuts, raisins, and fresh parsley. Perfect as a main or side dish, it combines sweet and savory elements for a traditional Middle Eastern-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 cups medium-grain rice
- Olive oil, for cooking
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 lb lean ground beef or lean ground lamb
- 1 3/4 tsp ground allspice, divided
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 3/4 tsp ground cloves, divided
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 1/2 cup dark raisins
Instructions
- Rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. Soak for 20–30 minutes, then drain.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté red onion until soft and translucent.
- Add ground meat, garlic, half of the allspice, cloves, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook until meat is browned and fragrant.
- In a separate pot, bring water to a boil (about 2 1/4 cups for the rice). Add rice and remaining spices, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 15–20 minutes until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
- Fluff rice with a fork and gently mix in the cooked spiced meat.
- Top with toasted pine nuts, slivered almonds, raisins, and chopped parsley before serving.
- Serve warm as a main or side dish.
Notes
- For extra flavor, toast the spices lightly in the skillet before adding the meat.
- Adjust nuts and raisins quantities based on preference for sweetness and crunch.
- Can be served alongside grilled vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg