There’s nothing I love more than to put my own spin on trending recipes and the CRISPY RICE SALAD has gone all out viral on social media. I love me some crispy rice so I HAD to try it – just MY way.
Crispy rice salad is a traditional Loation dish known as Nam Khao, but the variations on the gram are anything but classic. I went Middle Eastern with my version – subbing harissa for the chili paste in the rice – and while most recipes used cucumbers and edamame for the veg, I went in the Moroccan carrot salad direction (hence the harissa!) by using thinly shaved carrots and chickpeas. And of course while everyone was topping their salads in loads of pecans, I used pistachios.
The combo my friends, is a mouthful of textures and flavors that just explode – seriously a must try!
Crispy Rice Salad with Harissa
3 cups pre-cooked rice (I used leftover jasmine rice)
2 tbsp olive oil
2-3 tbsp harissa
1 large carrot, thinly sliced
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced into half moons
1 cup chickpeas
1/4 cup chopped pistachios
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
Preserved Lemon Dressing
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp white wine vinegar
2 tbsp minced preserved lemon (if you don’t have this, use the zest of 1 full lemon)
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1 tbsp honey
salt and pepper, to taste
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the rice out on the tray and mix with oil and harissa. Bake until crispy, stirring occasionally, approximately 40 minutes.
While the rice is cooking, thinly slice the carrots and onion on a mandolin. Cut the larger pieces in half. Chop up the cilantro and pistachios. Arrange the vegetables in a large salad bowl. Add the crispy rice (once cooled). Toss in the dressing and serve!
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