The Heart of Djerba: A Feast of Fragrant Rice

If you're looking to explore the rich and vibrant flavors of Tunisian cuisine, Djerbian Rice (Rouz Jerbi) is the perfect dish to start with. This hearty, one-pot meal hails from the island of Djerba, known for its stunning coastline and unique culinary traditions. Rouz Jerbi is a beloved Tunisian specialty that features tender chicken (or seafood), a medley of fresh vegetables, and fragrant spices, all cooked together and steamed to perfection in a couscoussier. The result is a flavorful, nutritious dish that combines starchy foods, protein, and vegetables into a complete meal.

Mona’s Farm offers the finest, freshest ingredients for this recipe, so you can bring the authentic taste of Tunisia into your own kitchen. From fresh spinach to fragrant spices, we’ve got you covered with high-quality produce and pantry staples.

Ingredients:

• 300 g chopped fresh spinach

• 200 g basmati rice

• 2 chicken breasts

• 2 medium potatoes

• 2 medium tomatoes

• 2 carrots

• 1 onion

• 10 g peas

• 1 cup chickpeas

• 2 cloves garlic

• 1 bunch chopped parsley

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1 cup tomato paste

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tbsp turmeric

• 1 tbsp Tabil (Tunisian spice mix)

• Salt and pepper to taste

  
  

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into cubes, approximately 3 cm in size. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the spices and vegetables.

2. Cook the Onion and Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, releasing its natural sweetness. Next, add the chicken cubes and cook for a few minutes, allowing them to brown slightly.

3. Add Garlic, Tomatoes, and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Mix everything together well, allowing the tomatoes to break down and combine with the chicken and onion, creating a rich, flavorful sauce.

4. Season the Dish: Add the spices—ground coriander, paprika, cumin, turmeric, and Tabil (the distinctive Tunisian spice mix). Tabil is made from ground coriander seed, caraway seed, garlic powder, and chili powder, giving the dish a unique, aromatic flavor. Stir to coat the chicken and vegetables evenly with the spices. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Add Parsley and Simmer: Stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh burst of flavor. Allow the chicken mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes over medium heat to ensure the flavors meld together.

6. Assemble the Dish: In a large, deep container or steamer, place the spinach at the bottom. Top it with the chicken and tomato mixture, then layer the carrots, potatoes, and peas on top. Rinse the basmati rice thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear, then spread the rice evenly over the vegetables and chicken. Mix the rice into the ingredients gently. Make a small well in the center of the rice to allow steam to escape during cooking.

7. Steam the Rice: Set the container on top of a couscoussier (traditional steaming pot). Steam the dish for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the couscoussier from the heat and carefully add the chickpeas to the rice mixture, stirring to combine. Return the container to the couscoussier and steam for an additional 20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.

   
   

Tips for Success:

• Tabil Spice Mix: If you don't have pre-made Tabil, you can easily make your own by combining ground coriander, caraway seeds, garlic powder, and chili powder. This spice blend is key to achieving the authentic flavor of Djerbian Rice.

• Vegetable Variations: While the recipe calls for carrots, potatoes, and peas, feel free to get creative and add other vegetables you enjoy, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or even eggplant.

• Cooking Rice: If you don't have basmati rice, other long-grain rice varieties can work as well. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

  
  

Why You'll Love This Recipe:

Djerbian Rice is more than just a meal; it's a journey into the heart of Tunisian cuisine. The combination of tender chicken, vegetables, and rice, all infused with a carefully balanced blend of spices, makes this dish both comforting and flavorful. Steaming the rice in the couscoussier enhances its texture and ensures it absorbs all the aromatic flavors from the chicken and vegetables.

Whether you're cooking for a family meal or a special gathering, Djerbian Rice is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a great way to introduce new flavors to your dinner table and experience the warm hospitality of Tunisian cooking.

Shop Fresh Ingredients at Mona’s Farm:

For the best quality fresh produce, spices, and pantry staples, visit Mona’s Farm. We source the finest ingredients to help you prepare dishes like Djerbian Rice and other global favorites with ease. From farm-fresh spinach to authentic Tunisian spices, you'll find everything you need to bring your culinary creations to life.