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Spicy Moroccan Rice with Tomatoes and Peppers

This saucy, spicy Moroccan rice recipe is one example. It's very versatile and can be served as a main dish or side. I was introduced to the recipe many years ago by my mother-in-law, and it immediately reminded me of a Spanish rice dish which my own mother used to prepare in the States. Here, the rice gets a little bit of kick from its blend of Moroccan spices which includes cayenne pepper, but if you really like things fiery throw a chili pepper into the pot while the rice is cooking. I'm most inclined to offer the rice as stand-alone fare in the evening when a light supper suffices after a much heartier main meal at lunchtime. I like it as a vegetarian entree with lots of bell peppers, but if you prefer, go ahead and add some diced beef, lamb or chicken – simply brown the meat with the rice before adding the liquids, or throw in some leftover cooked meat when you add the broth.

complex18 ingredients6 preparation steps
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Ingredients

  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice, or medium-grain rice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, or a little more if desired
  • 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
  • 1 green pepper, coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 yellow pepper, coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 red pepper, coarsely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, or more, pressed or very finely chopped
  • 1 large tomato, , peeled, seeded, and chopped
  • 1 large tomato, grated
  • 2 1/3 cups chicken broth, or beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro, or parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, optional
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric

Preparation

  1. 1Steps to Make It
  2. 2Gather the ingredients.
  3. 3Heat the broth to nearly boiling, then hold warm over low heat.
  4. 4In a deep skillet or heavy bottomed pot placed over medium heat, saute the rice, onions and peppers in the oil. When the rice begins to brown, add the garlic and tomatoes. Cook for several minutes, stirring frequently.
  5. 5Add the broth, tomato paste, cilantro and spices. Bring the liquids to a boil then reduce the heat, cover the pan, and simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes without stirring, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquids.
  6. 6Remove the rice from the heat and lightly stir with a fork to fluff the rice and mix the vegetables throughout. It should still be a little saucy; if not, gently mix in a few tablespoons of hot water. Cover and leave the rice sit for at least five minutes before serving.