Hello fellow food enthusiasts! Today, I am thrilled to share with you my recipe for Persian Albacore Rice – a dish that’s bursting with flavor and is sure to become a family favorite. This aromatic rice dish is made with tender chunks of albacore tuna, fragrant herbs and spices, and fluffy Basmati rice. Best of all, this recipe is easy to make and can be cooked to perfection in a rice cooker. So, let’s get cooking! We’ve made this persian albacore rice recipe easy to follow 👨‍🍳. If you’re looking for our favorite rice cookers to make this recipe, check out our list of top rice cookers here.

persian albacore rice ingredients

Ingredients

  • 1 pound albacore tuna, cut into small chunks
  • 2 cups basmati rice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer and let it soak in cold water for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat and sauté the onion until it’s translucent.
  3. Add the minced garlic, turmeric, cinnamon, and ground cloves to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Add the albacore tuna and cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly browned.
  5. Drain the rice and add it to the pan with the albacore tuna.
  6. Add the saffron threads and chicken broth to the pan and stir everything together.
  7. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
  8. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to low and cover the pan. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  9. Once the rice is done, remove the pan from the heat and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to steam.
  10. Finally, stir in the chopped fresh parsley, dill, and cilantro.
  11. Plate and serve hot.

persian albacore rice

How long does persian albacore rice last in the fridge?

Persian albacore rice can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days after cooking. It is important to cool the rice down quickly after cooking and store it in an airtight container to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Before storing the rice, make sure it is at room temperature to avoid condensation and moisture buildup. When reheating, add a few tablespoons of water to the rice and cover it with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. Overall, it is best to consume the rice within the first couple of days for optimal taste and freshness.

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Low calorie persian albacore rice recipe substitutions

To make this Persian Albacore Rice Recipe lower in calories, we can consider some substitutions. Rather than using 2 cups of basmati rice, we can use cauliflower rice or a mix of brown rice and cauliflower rice to decrease the calorie count. Olive oil can be substituted for cooking spray or a small amount of coconut oil to reduce the amount of fat used. Additionally, we can reduce the amount of albacore tuna used or substitute it altogether with cooked shrimp or white beans to reduce the calorie count further. Lastly, we can reduce the amount of saffron threads used since a little goes a long way in terms of adding flavor to the dish. By taking these substitutions, we can make this recipe much lighter in calories while remaining healthy and flavorsome.

What to serve with a persian albacore rice?

Persian albacore rice is a flavorful and aromatic dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. To balance out the richness of the rice, consider serving a light and refreshing salad, such as a cucumber and tomato salad with lemon and olive oil dressing. Another great option is roasted vegetables, such as eggplant and zucchini, which add a smoky and savory flavor to the meal. Additionally, a dollop of plain yogurt or tzatziki sauce can provide a cool and creamy contrast to the spiced rice. Finally, warm pita bread or naan is a great addition to any Persian meal, and provides a tasty vehicle for dipping in the delicious rice and sauces.

Whats the best sauce for a persian albacore rice?

One of the best sauces to accompany Persian albacore rice is a flavorful and tangy pomegranate sauce known as “Fesenjan.” This rich sauce is made by simmering pomegranate juice with walnuts, onions, and spices like cinnamon and turmeric until thick and creamy. The complex taste of Fesenjan pairs perfectly with the mild and delicate flavor of albacore tuna, as well as the fragrant and aromatic basmati rice used in this classic Persian dish. Simply spoon the Fesenjan over the rice and tuna and garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds and chopped parsley for a delicious and impressive meal.

Persian albacore rice health benefits

Persian albacore rice is a delicious dish that combines flavorful albacore tuna with aromatic saffron-infused rice. While it can be a healthy meal option due to the protein and omega-3 fatty acids in the tuna, it may not necessarily have specific health benefits beyond that. The rice used in the dish is typically white rice, which can be high in carbohydrates and low in fiber compared to other grains. To make this dish healthier, consider swapping out the white rice for brown rice, which is higher in fiber and more nutrient-dense. Additionally, incorporating more vegetables like carrots, peas, and spinach can add more vitamins and minerals to the dish.

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