| Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 315 | 8g | 1g | 56g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 9g | 3g | 6g | 0.5g |
As a Pacific Northwest native with a deep connection to my Japanese roots, I bring you a dish that captures the essence of my cultural palate –the Herb Rice with California Bay Laurel. This tantalizing recipe brings the freshness of mixed fresh herbs and the unique, slightly floral, and herbal flavor of the California bay laurel leaves to your table. Served with a side of the sweetest of summer fruits and the crunch of chopped almonds, this dish is a fusion of color, texture, and flavor, creating a symphony of taste in every bite.
A Healthy Twist On The Rice Dish
Not only is this Herb Rice with California Bay Laurel a nod to my Japanese-American heritage, but it’s also a nutritious pick. The mixed fresh herbs bring a refreshing taste to the plate while also offering a handful of health benefits. Parsley, for instance, is a rich source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds while cilantro has been shown to support healthy digestion. The California bay laurel leaves, a real standout ingredient in this dish, not only impart a unique flavor to the dish but are also known to support digestion and possess anti-inflammatory properties.
Partner It Up!
This rice dish is rather versatile and would pair well with a variety of other dishes. You could serve it as an accompaniment to your favorite seafood dish—imagine it alongside grilled salmon or pan-seared scallops. The fresh fruit in the rice would wonderfully offset the briny notes of the seafood. Alternatively, this fruity, herby rice could be the star of a vegetarian meal, paired with a flavorful curried lentil dish or an array of roasted vegetables.
If you like Middle Eastern inspired dishes like stuffed courgettes or Mediterranean staples like Greek salad, you’ll love this fresh take on traditional rice dishes. It’s similar in style to the fragrant, fruited rice dishes you often find in places like Iran or Afghanistan, though a bit lighter and quite suitable for those hot summer evenings.
Whether it’s for a casual family dinner or an intimate dinner party with friends, this recipe promises to elevate your menu with a refreshing burst of flavors, textures, and, given its multitude of health benefits, it’s one you can certainly feel good about preparing. So my gourmet friends, give this Herb Rice with California Bay Laurel a try and enjoy a dining experience you won’t quickly forget.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of Basmati rice
- 4 cups of water
- 6 fresh California bay laurel leaves
- 1 cup of mixed fresh herbs (like parsley, mint, and cilantro)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups of mixed fresh fruit (like grapes, pomegranate seeds, and chopped apples)
- 1/4 cup of chopped almonds
Method
Step One
Start by rinsing your Basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This is a crucial step in removing the starch and preventing the grains from sticking together.
Step Two
Add your rinsed rice and 4 cups of water into a large pot. Place the 6 fresh California bay laurel leaves into the pot as well.
Step Three
Heat the pot over medium-high heat and bring your water to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the rice to simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
Step Four
While your rice is cooking, take the time to chop your mixed fresh herbs and fruits. Keep them separate as you’ll add them at different times.
Step Five
Once your rice is cooked and has absorbed all the water, remove the bay laurel leaves and add in your chopped herbs, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine everything.
Step Six
Next, stir in your mixed fresh fruits and chopped almonds. Again, stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed throughout your rice.
Step Seven
Taste your finished rice and adjust any seasonings if necessary. Once you’re happy with the flavor, turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let it sit for a few minutes.
Final Step
Your Herb Rice with California Bay Laurel is now ready to serve! Enjoy it hot as a satisfying main dish or as an aromatic and flavorful side dish to your favorite main course.
