A Shared Dish: Middle Eastern–Style Rice from The HOME Project

Rice dishes are common across many Middle Eastern homes and are often prepared with warm spices and shared family-style. At The HOME Project, versions of spiced rice are cooked that reflect the traditions of children from countries such as Syria and Afghanistan.

These dishes vary from home to home, but they are always meant to bring people together.

Ingredients

• Long-grain rice

• Onion, finely chopped

• Oil

• Garlic

• Warm spices (such as cumin, cinnamon, or cardamom)

• Vegetables and/or chicken (optional)

• Salt

Instructions

1. Rinse the rice and set aside.

2. Sauté onion and garlic in oil until soft.

3. Add spices and stir briefly until fragrant.

4. Add rice and water or broth, season with salt, and bring to a boil.

5. Lower heat, cover, and cook until rice is tender and fluffy.

6. Serve warm, often alongside vegetables or protein.