Qatari-inspired Black Rice with Seafood

Ingredients

In this Qatari-inspired adaptation, we incorporate the flavors and ingredients commonly found in Qatari cuisine. While the Spanish arròs negre traditionally uses squid ink to achieve its black color, we substitute it with black food coloring to maintain the visual appeal while adhering to Qatari culinary preferences. Additionally, we enhance the dish with Qatari spices and herbs, such as saffron, to infuse it with the unique flavors of the region. We alse have the original recipe for Arròs negre, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) black rice 2 cups (400g) black rice
• 4 cups (950ml) fish or seafood stock 4 cups (950ml) fish or seafood stock
• 1 teaspoon black food coloring 1 teaspoon black food coloring
• 1 teaspoon saffron threads 1 teaspoon saffron threads
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 pound (450g) mixed seafood (shrimp, calamari, mussels) 1 pound (450g) mixed seafood (shrimp, calamari, mussels)
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish Fresh parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 75g, 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the black rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, bring the fish or seafood stock to a boil. Add the black food coloring and saffron threads, stirring until well combined.
3. 3.
   In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until translucent.
4. 4.
   Add the diced red and green bell peppers to the pan and cook until they begin to soften.
5. 5.
   Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon, allowing the spices to release their flavors.
6. 6.
   Add the black rice to the pan and stir well to coat it with the spices and vegetables.
7. 7.
   Pour the colored stock into the pan with the rice, stirring gently. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
8. 8.
   While the rice is cooking, prepare the seafood. In a separate pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the mixed seafood and cook until they are just cooked through.
9. 9.
   Once the rice is cooked, gently fold in the cooked seafood, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the dish. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. 10.
    Serve the Qatari-inspired Black Rice with Seafood garnished with fresh parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Black rice — Rinse the black rice thoroughly before cooking to remove any excess starch and ensure a fluffy texture.
• Saffron threads — To enhance the flavor and color, soak the saffron threads in a tablespoon of warm water for a few minutes before adding them to the dish.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper to the dish.
• Experiment with different types of seafood based on your preference and availability.
• Serve the Qatari-inspired Black Rice with Seafood alongside a refreshing cucumber and mint salad to balance the flavors.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of spices used in the recipe.
• To make the dish more festive, garnish it with a sprinkle of edible gold flakes.

Serving advice

Serve the Qatari-inspired Black Rice with Seafood as a main course, accompanied by a fresh salad and warm Arabic bread. It can also be served as part of a larger spread of Qatari dishes during special occasions or gatherings.

Presentation advice

Present the Qatari-inspired Black Rice with Seafood in a large serving dish, allowing the vibrant colors of the black rice and seafood to shine through. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of saffron threads for an elegant touch.