Spiced Brown Rice with Raisins

One day, I was listening to NPR (National Public Radio), and they were doing a piece on a woman who had moved back to her family’s homeland of Iran to study the food culture there. She had such a passionate way of describing the food, the traditions, and the deep connection between meals and heritage—it was absolutely mesmerizing to listen to. (I ❤️ passion in action!)

One dish she described caught my attention: a vibrant, spiced rice dish with raisins. The combination of warm spices, fluffy rice, and the natural sweetness of raisins sounded incredible, so I mentally tucked it away for a future kitchen experiment.

Fast forward a few weeks…

I was about to cook the same old, uninspired side of rice when that memory popped back into my head. I thought, Why not switch things up? So, I grabbed some spices, tossed in some raisins, and let my creativity take over. The result? A warm, aromatic, and slightly sweet dish that became an instant favorite in my kitchen. Naturally, I had to share it with you!

Why This Dish is So Good for You

Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also packed with nutritional benefits:

🌾 Brown Rice – A whole grain loaded with fiber, brown rice supports digestion, helps regulate blood sugar, and keeps you full longer. Unlike white rice, it retains the nutrient-rich bran and germ layers, providing magnesium, B vitamins, and antioxidants.

🍇 Raisins – These little gems add natural sweetness and a punch of nutrition! They’re rich in iron, potassium, and fiber, making them great for digestion and energy levels.

🧄 Garlic & Onions – These flavorful alliums contain compounds that support immune health, fight inflammation, and even promote gut health by feeding beneficial bacteria.

🫑 Bell Peppers – Packed with vitamin C, bell peppers help boost immunity, support skin health, and add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

🌿 Spices (Cumin, Cinnamon, Parsley) – These don’t just make the dish taste amazing—they also have anti-inflammatory and digestion-boosting properties. Cumin supports digestion, cinnamon helps balance blood sugar, and parsley provides vitamin K for bone health.

💛 Olive Oil – A heart-healthy fat rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds. It helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins and adds a smooth richness to the dish.

Spiced Brown Rice with Raisins Recipe

Author: Sally Twellman

Prep time: 10 mins

Cook time: 40 mins

Total time: 50 mins

Serves: 6–8

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups brown rice
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup raisins
• 1 tsp cumin (heaping)
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup water
• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a plant-based option)

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
2. Add the brown rice, raisins, cumin, cinnamon, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the rice in the spices.
3. Pour in the water and broth, then bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat to low, and let cook for about 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender. (With brown rice, I sometimes have to add a little extra water at the end to get the perfect texture.)
4. Fluff with a fork, serve warm, and enjoy!

Ways to Customize This Dish

• Make it a meal: Add shredded rotisserie chicken or chickpeas for extra protein.
• Add some crunch: Toasted almonds or pistachios would be chef’s kiss.
• Amp up the flavor: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a handful of chopped cilantro would add brightness.

This dish is warm, comforting, and packed with flavor—perfect as a side or even a main dish with a protein of your choice. I hope you love it as much as I do! Let me know if you try it. 😊