Shared by Niv Turjeman
Shared by Niv Turjeman
Tanzia (Sweet & Spiced Fruit-Onion Topping for Rice)
Yield: 6-8 servingsTime: 45 minutes
Tanzia (Sweet & Spiced Fruit-Onion Topping for Rice)
Yield: 6-8 servingsTime: 45 minutesFamily Journey
Casablanca, Morocco and Tunis, TunisiaMoshav Emunim and Ashdod, IsraelAshdod
New York City
Tanzia is a Moroccan sweet and spiced topping, served over rice or couscous to add depth and contrast to savory dishes. This recipe from Niv Turjeman’s mom features slow-caramelized onions combined with a mix of dried fruits — apricots, prunes, and raisins — and is gently spiced with cinnamon and black pepper. Sweetened with silan (date syrup) and finished with crunchy walnuts and sliced almonds, this topping brings a rich, layered sweetness to Niv’s hearty Rosh Hashanah meal.
Read more about Niv’s family in “A Moroccan Rosh Hashanah Celebration That Sets the Tone for the Year Ahead” and get his recipes for Stuffed Challah Rolls with Caramelized Onions, Chicken Pastilla, Slow Cooked Beef Cheeks and Chickpeas, and Moroccan Fish Tagine.
Ingredients
- 2 large onions, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups mixed dried fruits, such as apricots, prunes, raisins, or dates, cut into strips
- 2–3 tablespoons silan (date syrup)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- ¼ cup water
- ½ cup walnuts
- 2 cups basmati rice, prepared according to package directions
- Sliced almonds, for garnish
Preparation
Step 1
In a wide pan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, until soft and golden, about 20-25 minutes.
Step 2
While the onions cook, slice the dried fruits into ⅛-inch strips and set aside.
Step 3
Once the onions are caramelized, add the dried fruits, silan, cinnamon, and black pepper, and stir to combine.
Step 4
Add the water, turn the heat down to low, and simmer gently, uncovered, for about 15 minutes, until the liquid reduces into a thick glaze.
Step 5
Meanwhile, in a separate dry pan, toast the walnuts over medium heat until fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the walnuts to the fruit mixture and stir to combine.
Step 6
Prepare the rice according to package directions, and spoon the cooked rice onto a serving platter.
Step 7
Top the rice with the warm fruit and nut mixture and garnish with sliced almonds. Serve immediately.
Leftover tanzia can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 days.
