Fragrant Chickpea Rice Pilaf Recipe
Introduction
This fragrant chickpea rice pilaf is a flavorful and comforting dish perfect as a side or a light main. It combines aromatic spices with tender chickpeas and fluffy basmati rice, accented by fresh herbs and crispy shallots. Easy to prepare, it offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked basmati rice (or long grain or wild rice)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
- 1 1/2 tins (21 oz / 600g) chickpeas, drained but still wet
- 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup parsley leaves
- 1/4 cup coriander / cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup sultanas or currants
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup fried shallots, store bought
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the rice, water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan over high heat. Bring to a boil without the lid, then immediately cover and reduce the heat to medium-low (or low for large burners). Let the rice simmer with the lid on for 12 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Do not stir or lift the lid during cooking. Remove from heat and let it rest, covered, for 10 minutes to absorb any remaining moisture.
- Step 2: While the rice is cooking, mix the chickpeas with 1/4 teaspoon salt, ground cumin, and garam masala in a bowl. Heat olive oil in a large pan over high heat, add the chickpeas, and shake the pan occasionally for about 1 minute to toast the spices. Alternatively, roast the chickpeas in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 5 minutes. Set aside, keeping them warm in the pan if desired.
- Step 3: After the rice has rested, gently combine it with the spiced chickpeas, parsley, coriander, sultanas, and a few grinds of black pepper. Some spice will transfer from the chickpeas to the rice, enhancing the flavor. Taste and adjust salt as needed.
- Step 4: Finally, fold in the crispy fried shallots just before serving. This pilaf can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Tips & Variations
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the rice in a dry pan for a few minutes before cooking.
- Substitute garam masala with curry powder or a mix of ground coriander and cardamom for a different spice profile.
- Add toasted slivered almonds or pine nuts for extra crunch.
- Use fresh fried shallots or onions if store-bought ones aren’t available.
- Swap sultanas for dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for a fruity twist.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the rice feels dry. This pilaf can also be enjoyed cold as a salad base.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of rice?
Yes, long grain or wild rice work well, though cooking times and water amounts may vary. Adjust accordingly to ensure the rice is tender.
How do I make this dish vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan, but be sure to check that your fried shallots are free from animal products or make your own at home.
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Fragrant Chickpea Rice Pilaf Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Fragrant Chickpea Rice Pilaf is a flavorful and hearty dish combining fluffy basmati rice with spiced chickpeas, fresh herbs, and sweet sultanas. Enhanced with aromatic cumin, garam masala, and crispy fried shallots, it’s perfect as a wholesome main or a tasty side, served warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
Rice & Water
- 1 cup uncooked basmati rice (or long grain or wild rice)
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
Spiced Chickpeas
- 1 1/2 tins (21 oz / 600g) chickpeas, drained but still wet
- 1/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Toppings & Garnishes
- 1/4 cup parsley leaves
- 1/4 cup coriander / cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup sultanas or currants
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup fried shallots, store bought
Instructions
- Steam Rice: Combine the rice, water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a medium saucepan over high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil uncovered. Once boiling, immediately cover with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low or low if using a large burner. Simmer without stirring or lifting the lid for 12 minutes until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat while keeping the lid on, and let the rice rest for 10 minutes to fully absorb remaining moisture.
- Prepare Spiced Chickpeas: While the rice cooks, place the drained chickpeas, 1/4 teaspoon salt, ground cumin, and garam masala into a bowl and toss to evenly coat the chickpeas. In a large pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over high heat. Add the spiced chickpeas and shake the pan occasionally for about 1 minute to heat and lightly toast them. Alternatively, you can roast the chickpeas in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5 minutes. Set aside, optionally leaving them in the pan.
- Toss Ingredients: Once the rice has rested, transfer it to a large bowl and add the spiced chickpeas, chopped parsley, chopped coriander, and sultanas or currants. Grind fresh black pepper over the mixture to taste. Gently toss everything together; some of the chickpea spices will transfer to the rice, enhancing the overall flavor. Adjust salt if needed.
- Add Crispy Shallots and Serve: Finally, fold in the crispy fried shallots for added texture and flavor. Serve the pilaf warm or at room temperature as a delicious main dish or side.
Notes
- You can substitute garam masala with curry powder or a blend of ground coriander and cinnamon if unavailable.
- If you prefer, use wild or long grain rice instead of basmati; adjust water quantity slightly if needed according to rice type.
- Store-bought fried shallots add crunch and umami, but you can make your own by thinly slicing shallots and frying until golden.
- Resting the rice after cooking is essential for perfect fluffy texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian-inspired
Keywords: chickpea rice pilaf, spiced chickpeas, basmati rice, garam masala, vegetarian rice dish, easy pilaf recipe, fragrant rice pilaf
