Yogurt Rice Recipe: A Delicious and Healthy Side Dish*

 

Yogurt rice, also known as "رز بلبن" in Arabic, is a popular Middle Eastern side dish that is made with yogurt, rice, and various spices. This dish is not only delicious, but it's also healthy and easy to make. In this article, we'll show you how to make a delicious yogurt rice dish from scratch, using a simple and easy-to-follow recipe.

POLOM

*Ingredients:*

- 1 cup of uncooked white rice

- 2 cups of water

- 1/2 cup of plain yogurt

- 1 tablespoon of olive oil

- 1 teaspoon of salt

- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper

- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin powder

- 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder

- 2 cloves of garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley

- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh mint

*Instructions:*

1. *Rinse the rice:* Rinse the rice in a fine mesh sieve until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.

2. *Cook the rice:* In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and water. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.

3. *Prepare the yogurt mixture:* In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, salt, black pepper, cumin powder, and turmeric powder.

4. *Fluff the rice:* Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork to separate the grains.

5. *Add the yogurt mixture:* Add the yogurt mixture to the cooked rice and stir until the rice is well coated.

6. *Add the garlic and herbs:* Stir in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and chopped mint.

7. *Serve:* Serve the yogurt rice hot, garnished with additional parsley and mint if desired.

*Tips and Variations:*

- Use Greek yogurt or strained yogurt for a thicker and creamier yogurt rice.

- Add some heat to the dish by stirring in some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes.

- Use different types of rice, such as brown rice or basmati rice, for a different texture and flavor.

- Add some toasted pine nuts or almonds for added crunch and flavor.

- Make the yogurt rice ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy homemade yogurt rice!