Hello and welcome to Rice Cookers 101! Today, we’re excited to share with you a delicious recipe for Persian Spam Rice. This savory dish is made with canned spam, rice, and a blend of flavorful spices that will take your taste buds on a journey to the Middle East. Whether you’re experienced with rice cookers or just starting out, this recipe is simple and easy to follow, making it the perfect addition to your recipe repertoire. So let’s get cooking and enjoy a taste of Persian cuisine! We’ve made this persian spam 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 spam rice ingredients

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of white rice
  • 1 can of spam
  • 1 onion
  • 1 tbsp of butter
  • 2 tbsp of vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp of cumin
  • 1 tsp of turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp of cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp of black pepper
  • 3 cups of water
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Wash the rice in a strainer and soak in cold water for at least an hour.
  2. Chop the onion and slice the spam into small cubes.
  3. In a pan, heat the butter and oil, add the onion and sauté until golden brown.
  4. Add the spam and stir for a few minutes.
  5. Add cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt and mix well.
  6. Drain the rice and add it to the pan.
  7. Stir for a few minutes until the rice is coated with the spices.
  8. Add water and bring to a boil.
  9. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer until the water has evaporated and the rice is fully cooked (usually takes about 20 minutes).
  10. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve hot.

persian spam rice

How long does persian spam rice last in the fridge?

Persian spam rice can be stored in the fridge for up to four days after cooking. It is important to allow the rice to cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container. It is recommended to divide the rice into smaller portions to make it easier to reheat and to reduce the risk of spoilage. It is also important to reheat the rice thoroughly, making sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. If the rice has been left at room temperature for longer than two hours, it should be discarded to avoid the risk of food poisoning.

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Low calorie persian spam rice recipe substitutions

There are a few substitutions that could be made to lower the calorie count in this Persian Spam Rice recipe. Firstly, using brown rice instead of white rice would add more fiber and nutrients while reducing the calorie content. Additionally, using a lean protein such as chicken or tofu instead of spam would reduce the fat content. Instead of butter, a small amount of olive oil can be used to cook the onions, further reducing the calorie count. Finally, reducing the amount of oil used in the recipe would also make it lower in calories. These simple substitutions can make the recipe healthier and lower in calorie content without sacrificing flavor.

What to serve with a persian spam rice?

There are several tasty options to serve with Persian Spam rice. Consider adding a fresh and crisp salad with lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and onion, or a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. Alternatively, some sliced avocados or fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro can add some flavor and color to the dish. For a more filling meal, you can also add grilled chicken or beef, or some sautéed shrimp or scallops. A dollop of plain yogurt or tzatziki sauce is also a great addition to this flavorful dish.

Whats the best sauce for a persian spam rice?

One of the best sauce for Persian Spam rice is the classic “mast o-khiar”, which is a yogurt-based dip that combines diced cucumbers, mint, and garlic. The cool and refreshing sauce complements the slightly spicy flavor of the Spam very well, and the combination is a popular one in Persian cuisine. Other popular options include “shirazi salad,” a fresh salad of diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and parsley dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. For those who prefer a tangier sauce, “torshi,” which is a pickled vegetable dip with herbs and spices, can also be a great choice. Ultimately, the choice of sauce depends on your personal taste preference, but these are all great options for adding additional flavor and texture to your dish.

Persian spam rice health benefits

It is important to note that spam is a processed meat and is high in sodium, preservatives, and fat. Persian rice, on the other hand, is a healthy, whole-grain option packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, the combination of spam and rice may not be the healthiest option for individuals looking to improve their health. Instead, a healthier alternative would be to switch the spam with grilled chicken or tofu, add in a variety of vegetables, and use brown rice or quinoa in place of white rice. This will provide a balanced meal with plenty of nutrients and lower levels of sodium and preservatives.

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