Arkansas Cumin Rice
Arkansas Cumin Rice offers a flavorful side with toasted rice, aromatic cumin, and savory beef broth, perfect for hearty meals or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute onion, green pepper, and rice in vegetable oil until golden brown in a 2-quart ovenproof baking dish.
- Add remaining ingredients and stir well.
- Cover tightly with a lid or foil.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade beef bouillon or adding a splash of beef broth instead. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the beef bouillon with vegetable broth and omit Worcestershire sauce or use a vegan alternative. To enhance the cumin flavor, toasting the cumin seeds in the oil before adding the other ingredients can add depth to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Arkansas Cumin Rice pairs beautifully with grilled meats or roasted vegetables. It can be served as a side dish alongside beef recipes like Old-Fashioned Vegetable Beef Soup, or topped with a fried egg for a hearty breakfast. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for added freshness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to the rice to prevent it from drying out, then microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over low heat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Arkansas Cumin Rice contains roughly 335 calories, with 10g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (44% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1644mg per serving (71% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice for this recipe?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but it will require a longer cooking time. Brown rice typically needs about 45-50 minutes to cook, so you may need to adjust the baking time and add a bit more liquid to ensure it cooks fully.
What can I do if I don't have cumin seeds?
If you don't have cumin seeds, you can use ground cumin as a substitute. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin instead of 3/4 teaspoon of cumin seeds. Just add it along with the remaining ingredients to ensure the flavor is well incorporated.
Can I add other vegetables to this rice dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like diced tomatoes, corn, or peas for added flavor and nutrition. Just make sure to adjust the liquid slightly if you add more vegetables to maintain the right consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).