Yellow Rice with Chickpeas

Yellow Rice with Chickpeas Recipe | Vegan Food from Southern Asia

Region / culture: Asia, India, Southern Asia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegan diet

Introduction

Yellow Rice with Chickpeas is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines aromatic basmati rice with hearty chickpeas, seasoned with cumin seeds and turmeric. This dish is a popular choice for vegetarians and vegans, as it is both filling and satisfying.

History

Yellow Rice with Chickpeas is a traditional dish that originated in the Middle East and South Asia. It is a staple in many households and is often served as a side dish or main course. The combination of rice and chickpeas provides a good source of protein and fiber, making it a nutritious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

2 tbsp canola oil
1 medium-sized onion, white or yellow only, diced
1 medium-sized russet potato, diced
3 cups water
1 cup basmati or long-grain rice
0.75 tsp salt, rock or iodized only
0.5 tsp cumin seeds
0.25 tsp ground turmeric
1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained

How to prepare

In a 3 qt (2.84 liter) saucepan, heat the oil over moderate heat. Add the onion and potato, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add water, rice, salt, cumin seeds, and turmeric to the saucepan. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the rice and potatoes are tender. During the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the chickpeas and mix well.
Serve the dish hot and plain, or pair this turmeric-based rice with other main dishes.

Variations

Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for a pop of color and flavor.
Stir in some chopped spinach or kale for added nutrients.
For a spicy kick, add some chopped jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce.

Notes

Basmati rice is a special, toasty-flavored Indian rice. Now, it is also grown in the United States. If you don’t find it at the supermarket, use regular, long-grain rice.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to rinse and drain the canned chickpeas before adding them to the dish to remove excess sodium.

- For a richer flavor, you can sauté the cumin seeds in the oil before adding the onion and potato.

- To add a touch of heat, you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper on top of the dish before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Yellow Rice with Chickpeas can be served as a side dish or main course. It pairs well with grilled vegetables, roasted chicken, or a fresh salad. You can also top it with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming too sticky.

- Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent the rice from burning or sticking to the bottom.

- Fluff the rice with a fork before serving to separate the grains and ensure a light and fluffy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of rice for this dish, such as jasmine or brown rice.

- If you don't have cumin seeds, you can use ground cumin instead.

- Feel free to substitute the chickpeas with any other type of beans, such as black beans or kidney beans.

Make Ahead Tips

Yellow Rice with Chickpeas can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

To make this dish more visually appealing, you can garnish it with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro, or a drizzle of olive oil. Serve it in a colorful bowl or on a decorative plate for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Yellow Rice with Chickpeas pairs well with a variety of dishes, including grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and fresh salads. It also goes well with yogurt-based sauces, such as tzatziki or raita, for added creaminess and flavor.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Yellow Rice with Chickpeas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or heat in a saucepan on the stovetop until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Yellow Rice with Chickpeas contains approximately 250 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal.

Carbohydrates

Yellow Rice with Chickpeas is a carbohydrate-rich dish, with the main sources of carbs coming from the rice and chickpeas. One serving of this dish contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This dish is relatively low in fat, with most of the fat coming from the canola oil used for cooking. One serving of Yellow Rice with Chickpeas contains approximately 6 grams of fat.

Proteins

Chickpeas are a good source of plant-based protein, making this dish a great option for vegetarians and vegans. One serving of Yellow Rice with Chickpeas contains approximately 8 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Yellow Rice with Chickpeas is a good source of vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and vitamin C. Chickpeas are particularly high in iron, which is important for maintaining healthy blood cells.

Alergens

This dish contains no common allergens, making it suitable for most dietary restrictions. However, if you have a sensitivity to legumes or grains, you may want to avoid this dish.

Summary

Overall, Yellow Rice with Chickpeas is a nutritious and balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Summary

Yellow Rice with Chickpeas is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a healthy meal. With its aromatic flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Yellow Rice with Chickpeas. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in the countryside. I had always loved to cook, and I was always on the lookout for new and exciting recipes to try.

One day, while I was visiting my aunt in the neighboring village, she invited me to join her in the kitchen as she prepared a special dish for dinner. As she gathered the ingredients and began to cook, I watched in awe as she transformed simple, everyday ingredients into a mouthwatering feast.

The dish she was making was Yellow Rice with Chickpeas, a recipe that she had learned from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. It was a dish that had been passed down through the generations, each cook adding their own unique touch to make it their own.

As my aunt cooked, she shared with me the story of how the recipe had come to be a family favorite. She told me about the days when she was a young girl, helping her mother in the kitchen as they prepared meals for the entire family. She told me about the laughter and the love that filled their home as they sat down to eat together, enjoying the fruits of their labor.

As I listened to her story, I felt a sense of longing to create those same memories for myself and my own family. I knew that I had to learn how to make Yellow Rice with Chickpeas so that I could carry on the tradition and share it with those I loved.

After dinner that evening, my aunt handed me a hand-written recipe for Yellow Rice with Chickpeas, passed down from her mother to her. She told me to cherish it and to make it my own, adding my own flair and personality to the dish.

I returned home that night, my head filled with thoughts of the delicious dish I had just tasted and the memories I hoped to create with my own family. The next day, I set to work in my own kitchen, gathering the ingredients and following the instructions carefully.

As the aroma of the spices filled my kitchen, I could feel a sense of pride and accomplishment wash over me. I had successfully recreated the dish that had brought so much joy to my aunt's family for generations.

When my own family sat down to eat that evening, I could see the joy in their eyes as they tasted the Yellow Rice with Chickpeas that I had prepared. It was a moment of pure bliss, a moment that I knew would be etched in my memory forever.

Over the years, I have continued to make Yellow Rice with Chickpeas for my family, always adding my own twist to the recipe to make it uniquely mine. Each time I cook it, I am reminded of the love and laughter that filled my aunt's kitchen that day, and I am grateful for the gift of that precious recipe.

Now, as I pass the recipe down to my own grandchildren, I know that it will continue to be a cherished tradition in our family for many years to come. And as they gather around the table to enjoy the flavors of Yellow Rice with Chickpeas, I hope that they will feel the same sense of anticipation and joy that I felt when I first discovered this wonderful recipe.