Flavourful dishes curated from European rice for Ramadan

DUBAI / GULF TIME

Rice has been much more than just a food source for thousands of years, with a rich history that spans back to 2500 BC.
Across the Muslim world, rice has been a symbol of tradition and heritage, giving rise to a stunning array of diverse and delicious dishes, from the fragrant Nasi Goreng to the savoury Maqluba and Biryani. Rice became known in Europe, from the naturalists who accompanied Alexander the Great on his campaigns. Rice found fertile ground in Mediterranean Europe, was cultivated, loved and became part of its culinary tradition.
European rice is the most preferred form of rice for people across countries. It comes with high quality standards. High-end quality and genuine taste are the characteristics of European rice. Beginning from the field, producers select the seeds most suited to the soil and climate conditions of the area.
During the cultivation they adhere to certified integrated management procedures aimed to the protection of the environment and the safety of the product. After harvesting, the product is transferred to the rice millers which implement a certified quality and food safety system, for a better control of the quality procedure.
The European rice market is sub-divided in two different segments, namely, Indica rice a long grain variety which represents around 25% of EU rice production and Japonica rice, a short and medium grain variety which is the traditional European rice and represents around 75% of the bloc’s rice production.
Here are some mouth-watering rice dishes that can be made using European rice this Ramadan!
First stop – Afghanistan, where you can indulge in the flavourful Kabuli Pulao. Spiced lamb is cooked to perfection with a blend of spices, then piled high on top of rice and served with sweet carrots, plump raisins, and toasted almonds.
Next up, we have Mansaf from Jordan – a traditional meal that will take your taste buds on a journey. A layer of plain yogurt sauce mixed with lamb broth and spices is served with rice, making it a dish fit for a king or queen!
If you have a sweet tooth, then Zarda from Mughal is the perfect dessert for you. Made with rice, sugar, nuts, and cardamom seeds, this classic dish is known for its bright yellow or orange hue, which is sure to make your mouth water!
Moving onto the Levant region, we have Maqluba, a dish served in Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, and Syria. Meat, rice, and fried vegetables are layered in a pot and then flipped upside down when served, giving it the name upside-down.
Finally, we have Biryani – a mixed rice dish that originated among the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent. Packed with flavourful spices and your choice of meat, or in some cases, without any meat, and sometimes even with eggs and potatoes, this dish is a must-try for any rice lover!
Don’t miss out on these exciting rice dishes that can be made with European rice – your taste buds will keep craving for more!