Rice is one of the most universal ingredients in the world, and in the cuisines of North Africa and the Middle East it transforms into aromatic, spiced dishes full of nuances.

This Arabic rice with black olives and nuts combines the fragrance of basmati with the natural sweetness of raisins, the crunchy touch of almonds and pistachios, and the salty intensity of Aceitunas Torrent black olives.

It is a perfect recipe as a sophisticated side dish or as a vegetarian main course, ideal for celebrations, Ramadan tables, special dinners, or international gourmet proposals.

Ingredients (4 people)

• 250 g basmati rice
• 80 g pitted black olives Aceitunas Torrent, sliced
• 40 g raisins
• 40 g sliced or chopped almonds
• 30 g shelled pistachios
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 500 ml vegetable broth or water
• Salt to taste
• Fresh parsley or chopped cilantro for garnish

Preparation time

• Preparation: 15 minutes
• Cooking: 20 minutes
• Total: 35 minutes

Step-by-step preparation

Wash the rice

Wash the basmati rice under cold water until the water runs clear. This removes excess starch and helps keep it loose.

Aromatic sauté

In a wide saucepan, heat the extra virgin olive oil and sauté the onion over medium heat until it becomes transparent and lightly golden.

Add the cumin, cinnamon, turmeric, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds so the spices release their aroma.

Incorporate the rice

Add the drained rice and stir for one minute so it absorbs the flavors.

Add liquid and cook

Pour in the hot broth, add salt, and bring to a boil.
Lower the heat, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes until the rice absorbs the liquid.

Incorporate olives and nuts

Turn off the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Add the raisins, almonds, pistachios, and sliced black olives. Mix gently with a fork to keep the rice loose.

Serve

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Some tips to enhance the flavor

• The sweet-savory combination is essential: the raisins balance the intensity of the olives.
• Black olives provide depth and an umami note that connects the dish with the Mediterranean.
• You can add lemon zest for a fresher touch.

Why use Aceitunas Torrent black olives?

Black olives provide:

• Firm texture that does not break apart when mixed with the rice.
• Balanced flavor, not excessively acidic.
• Versatility for international dishes.
• A link between Mediterranean tradition and Arabic cuisine.

At Aceitunas Torrent, we work so that our olives can be part of both traditional Spanish recipes and international proposals inspired by other cultures.

Other tips for this recipe

If you want to give it a different and also very healthy touch, try making it with brown rice, although the cooking time will be longer, closer to 40 minutes, although you should always check the manufacturer’s instructions.

In addition, this dish can be eaten hot, but it also works very well as a warm or cold salad, especially if we prepare a buffet with different dishes.

Finally, although it is a vegetarian-style recipe, it can be enriched with proteins from meat, for example by adding spiced lamb, grilled chicken, or plant-based options such as sautéed chickpeas or tofu, if we want to maintain a meatless trend.

Approximate nutritional information (per serving)