Basmati Rice With Flax Seeds And Garbanzo Beans Recipes

CRISPY GARBANZO BEANS

Steps:

• Spread out the garbanzos on a baking sheet and let them dry, uncovered, in the refrigerator overnight. (If you forget to let them dry overnight, it's okay; you'll just need to cook them longer.)
• Place the bacon in a large skillet over medium-low heat and cook until browned and crispy, 4 to 5 minutes per side. Drain on a paper-towel-lined plate; reserve the fat in the pan. Eat the bacon as snack while you cook.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Add the dried garbanzos to the pan with the rendered bacon fat. Season with a generous pinch of salt and add the rosemary. Cook over medium-low heat for about 2 minutes, then remove the rosemary sprig. Transfer the garbanzos to a baking sheet and bake until crispy, 35 to 40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. (If you did not dry the garbanzos overnight, bake them for 45 to 50 minutes.)
• Let cool to room temp before serving.

BASMATI RICE PILAF WITH PROSCIUTTO, GARBANZO BEANS AND ORZO

Steps:

• Bring the oil to medium-high heat in a medium, heavy-bottomed pot with a tightly fitting lid. Add the prosciutto and crisp until it is lightly golden and the fat renders, about 1 minute. Add the carrots, peppers and onions and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the orzo and rice. Toast until the grains are all evenly coated with oil, about 3 minutes.
• Pour the broth and lemon juice into the same pot. Bring to a boil. Add the garbanzos and bay leaf and stir to combine. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the orzo and rice are tender. Remove from the heat once the liquid is fully absorbed, 12 to 15 minutes.
• Let the pilaf stand, covered, for 5 full minutes. Fluff with two forks, remove the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the scallions and serve garnished with the basil and mint leaves.

BASMATI RICE WITH FLAX SEEDS AND GARBANZO BEANS

Steps:

• For the rice: Bring 4 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepot. Add the basmati, flax seeds, onions, garlic and salt. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed all of the liquid, 15 to 20 minutes. (If using a rice cooker, combine the ingredients in the rice cooker, stir, and cook according to manufacturer's instructions.)
• For the beans: Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and saute until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for 2 minutes. Add the garbanzo beans, thyme and chicken broth. Turn the heat down to low and cook until the flavors have melded and the liquid has reduced by half, about 5 minutes.
• Transfer the rice to a large mixing bowl. Add the garbanzo bean mixture and mix to combine. Serve immediately.

CRISPY BOTTOMED BASMATI RICE WITH LENTILS

Steps:

• Wash the rice in several changes of warm water until the water runs clear. Soak the rice for 6 to 8 hours or overnight, in cold water to cover, with 1 tablespoon of the salt. (Alternatively, to save time, soak the rice in lukewarm water with the salt for 30 to 45 minutes.)
• Heat a large, heavy bottomed skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and the onion. Cook until the onion becomes translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the lentils, garlic, pepper, and paprika. Continue cooking 2 minutes. Add 2 cups of water, cover, and cook until tender, about 45 minutes. Season with the 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste. Stir in the basil.
• In a large saucepan, over medium high heat, bring 2 1/2 quarts of water to a boil with the remaining 1 tablespoon of salt.
• Drain the rice from the soaking liquid and add it to the boiling water. Return to a boil and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, uncovered, stirring occasionally. Test a grain of rice for doneness; it should be cooked entirely except for a small part in the center.
• Strain the rice in a colander and rinse with warm water. Drain well.
• Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, well-seasoned or nonstick stock pot with a tight-fitting lid, over medium heat. Add about 2 tablespoons water and sprinkle the cooked rice evenly onto the bottom of the pot a spoonful at a time until two-thirds of the rice has been distributed. Spread the lentil mixture evenly over the rice. Cover the lentils with the remaining rice, mounding it slightly in the center.
• Use the handle of a wooden spoon to poke about 5 deep holes in the rice from the surface of rice to the bottom of the pot to allow steam to escape. Cover the pot with a thick cotton dish towel and place the lid on tightly.
• Reduce the heat to medium low and cook for 35 to 40 minutes, turning the pot occasionally.
• Fill the sink with cold water 1 or 2 inches deep.
• Remove the cover from the rice and have a large, round platter ready.
• Place the pot in the sink for 1 minute, watching so that no water enters the pot. Remove the pot and dry off the bottom, then invert the rice cake onto the platter. It should unmold itself in one piece and be golden brown.
• Bring the platter to the table and serve family style. Cut individual wedges from the rice cake, similar to cutting a pie.