Mediterranean Rice Bread

Ingredients

In this adaptation, we have replaced some of the traditional Liberian ingredients with Mediterranean ones to create a dish that aligns with Mediterranean cuisine. The original Liberian Rice Bread typically includes ingredients like palm oil and scotch bonnet peppers, which have been substituted with olive oil and Mediterranean herbs and spices. This adaptation also focuses on achieving a lighter and fluffier texture by incorporating different baking techniques commonly used in Mediterranean bread-making. We alse have the original recipe for Liberian Rice Bread, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (400g) cooked rice 2 cups (400g) cooked rice
• 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour 1 ½ cups (180g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large eggs 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120ml) milk ½ cup (120ml) milk

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 6g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a loaf pan.
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, flour, baking powder, salt, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, eggs, and milk.
4. 4.
   Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until well combined.
5. 5.
   Transfer the batter into the greased loaf pan and smooth the top.
6. 6.
   Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. 8.
   Slice and serve.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice — Use cooked rice that has been cooled before incorporating it into the batter to ensure the right texture.
• Olive oil — Extra virgin olive oil adds a distinct Mediterranean flavor to the bread. Choose a high-quality olive oil for the best results.
• Mediterranean herbs and spices — Feel free to adjust the amounts of herbs and spices according to your taste preferences. You can also add fresh herbs like rosemary or basil for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced Mediterranean flavor, you can add sun-dried tomatoes or olives to the batter.
• Serve the bread warm with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of dried herbs on top for an extra touch of Mediterranean goodness.
• This bread pairs well with Mediterranean-inspired dips like hummus or tzatziki.
• If you prefer a crustier bread, you can bake it in a baguette shape instead of a loaf pan.
• Leftover bread can be toasted and used as a base for bruschetta or croutons.

Serving advice

Serve the Mediterranean Rice Bread as a side dish with Mediterranean-inspired meals, such as grilled vegetables, roasted chicken, or a Greek salad. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a snack or as a base for sandwiches.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, sprinkle some dried oregano or thyme on top of the bread before baking. Once cooled, slice the bread and arrange it on a platter with fresh herbs and olives for an inviting Mediterranean spread.