Haitian-inspired Vegetable Rice (Diri ak Legim)

Ingredients

• 2 cups (400g) long-grain white rice 2 cups (400g) long-grain white rice
• 3 cups (710ml) vegetable broth 3 cups (710ml) vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 carrots, diced 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup (150g) frozen peas 1 cup (150g) frozen peas
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 65g, 6g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 4g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain and set aside.
2. 2.
   In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the bell peppers, carrots, and peas to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. 4.
   Stir in the rice, thyme, and ground cloves. Season with salt and pepper.
5. 5.
   Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
6. 6.
   Remove from heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice — Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and achieve a fluffy texture.
• Bell peppers — Use a mix of red and green bell peppers for a vibrant color and a balance of sweetness and tanginess.
• Thyme — If using dried thyme, crush it between your fingers before adding it to the dish to release its aromatic oils.

Tips & Tricks

• For added flavor, you can sauté the rice in the pot for a few minutes before adding the vegetables.
• Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or seasonal availability.
• Adding a squeeze of fresh lime juice before serving can enhance the flavors of the dish.
• Leftover Diri ak Legim can be refrigerated and enjoyed as a delicious cold rice salad the next day.
• To make it a heartier meal, serve Diri ak Legim with a side of black beans or grilled chicken.

Serving advice

Serve Diri ak Legim as a main course, accompanied by a side of protein-rich legumes or grilled meat. Garnish with fresh herbs, such as cilantro or parsley, for an added burst of freshness.

Presentation advice

Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to showcase its light and fluffy texture. Arrange the colorful vegetables on top of the rice for an appealing presentation. Serve in a vibrant dish to highlight the dish's vibrant colors.