Guinea-Bissauan-inspired Lime Rice

Ingredients

While the original Peruvian Arroz con Lima primarily focuses on the flavors of lime and cilantro, this Guinea-Bissauan adaptation incorporates additional West African spices to create a unique fusion of flavors. The use of traditional spices adds depth and complexity to the dish, giving it a distinct taste that sets it apart from its Peruvian counterpart. We alse have the original recipe for Arroz con lima, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice
• 4 cups (950ml) water 4 cups (950ml) water
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Zest of 2 limes Zest of 2 limes
• Juice of 1 lime Juice of 1 lime
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain well.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. 3.
   Add the ground ginger, ground coriander, and ground cumin to the pot. Stir well to combine the spices with the onion and garlic mixture.
4. 4.
   Add the rice to the pot and stir to coat it evenly with the spices.
5. 5.
   Pour in the water and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the rice simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is cooked.
6. 6.
   Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Fluff the rice with a fork and add the lime zest, lime juice, and salt. Mix well to incorporate the flavors.
7. 7.
   Garnish the Lime Rice with fresh cilantro and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Lime — Choose fresh and juicy limes for the best flavor. Roll them gently on a countertop before juicing to extract maximum juice.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped chili pepper to the rice while cooking.
• To enhance the aroma, toast the spices in a dry pan before adding them to the dish.
• For a more colorful presentation, garnish the Lime Rice with thinly sliced lime wedges.

Serving advice

Serve the Guinea-Bissauan-inspired Lime Rice as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, fish, or vegetables. It also pairs well with stews and curries, adding a refreshing citrusy element to the meal.

Presentation advice

Fluff the Lime Rice with a fork before serving to showcase its light and fluffy texture. Serve it in a vibrant bowl or on a platter garnished with fresh cilantro leaves for an appealing presentation.