Spicy Rice for Fish (Ruz lissumak)

Spicy Rice for Fish (Ruz lissumak) is a Lebanese main dish served with fish pieces on top of the rice.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup olive or nut oil
• ½ cup pine nuts
• 1 cup onions, sliced
• 2 cups rice, washed and drained
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3½ cups boiling water
• ¼ teaspoon powdered saffron
  

Preparation:

• Heat the oil in a saucepan and lightly fry the pine nuts. Remove and set aside. Lightly brown the onions in the same oil. Add the rice and salt, and sauté for a few minutes.
  

• Pour in the boiling water and saffron. Allow to bubble for a few seconds, cover tightly and turn down to a low simmer. Cook until all the water is absorbed and the rice is tender – approx 20 minutes.

• To serve, turn onto a platter, sprinkle with the pine nuts and garnish with fish pieces. Alternatively, serve as an accompaniment to a fish dish.

For added fish flavor, oil left over from frying fish may be used in this recipe.