Macedonian-style Rice with Healing Herbs

Ingredients

In the original Portuguese dish, Arroz de enfermo, the rice is cooked with chicken broth and flavored with garlic and onion. However, in this Macedonian adaptation, we replace the chicken broth with a vegetable broth to make it suitable for a wider range of diets. Additionally, we infuse the rice with traditional Macedonian herbs, such as oregano, thyme, and parsley, to add a distinct Mediterranean flavor profile. We alse have the original recipe for Arroz de enfermo, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice 2 cups (400g) long-grain rice
• 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth 4 cups (950ml) vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped 1/4 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 58g, 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent.
2. 2.
   Add the rice to the pot and stir well to coat it with the oil, onion, and garlic mixture.
3. 3.
   Pour in the vegetable broth 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 liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
4. 4.
   Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes.
5. 5.
   Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the dried oregano, dried thyme, and fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. 6.
   Serve the Macedonian-style Rice with Healing Herbs hot and enjoy the flavors of Greece in every bite.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Olive oil — Use extra virgin olive oil for its distinct flavor and health benefits.
• Dried oregano and thyme — If using fresh herbs instead of dried, double the quantity.
• Vegetable broth — Opt for a low-sodium vegetable broth to control the salt content.
• Rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve a fluffier texture.
• Fresh parsley — Chop the parsley just before adding it to the rice to retain its vibrant color and fresh taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, sauté the rice in the olive oil before adding the onion and garlic.
• Customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables, such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers.
• Serve the rice with a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing twist.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed as a cold rice salad the next day.
• Experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique variation of Macedonian-style rice.

Serving advice

Serve the Macedonian-style Rice with Healing Herbs as a main course accompanied by a fresh Greek salad and crusty bread. It can also be served as a side dish alongside grilled vegetables or roasted chicken.

Presentation advice

Garnish the rice with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a drizzle of olive oil for an elegant presentation. Serve it in a colorful ceramic dish to showcase the vibrant colors of the herbs and create an inviting table setting.