Herby Grains with Crispy Chickpeas, Golden Raisins, + Slivered Almonds
INGREDIENTS
1 cup uncooked quinoa or basmati/jasmine rice
Black pepper
Paprika (optional)
Olive oil
1/2 cup or more finely chopped herbs such as dill, parsley, and mint (I did a combination of all three)
Zest of a lemon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 large shallots, sliced crosswise
1 can of chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
1/2 cup golden raisins, soaked in warm water for 10 minutes
Toasted slivered almonds or pine nuts
METHOD
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 can of chickpeas and sliced shallots with a drizzle of olive oil, sea salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss well. Evenly spread on the baking sheet and roast for about 30 minutes or until chickpeas are golden brown and crispy and shallots are tender. Remove from the oven and set aside.
If using quinoa: place 1 cup of quinoa in a fine mesh sieve and rinse with water. Place rinsed quinoa in a medium-sized pot and add 1 3/4 cups of filtered water, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Bring to a boil and then simmer on low covered for 12-15 minutes. Turn the heat off and let the quinoa steam for another 5 minutes with the lid on. Then, fluff with a fork and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes (I like it to cool a bit so that they herbs don’t turn brown).
If using rice: place 1/2 cup of rice in a pot and fill with water. Rinse well using your hands and then drain the water. Repeat two more times until the water runs more clear. Then, add 3/4 cup of fresh water to the pot along with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Bring to a boil and then simmer on low covered for 12-15 minutes. Turn the heat off and let the rice steam for another 5 minutes with the lid on. Then, fluff with a fork and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes (I like it to cool a bit so that they herbs don’t turn brown).
While the quinoa/rice cooks, zest the lemon, chop your herbs, and soak the golden raisins.
Then, in a bowl, combine the quinoa/rice, lemon zest, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 cup or more chopped herbs, 1/2 cup golden raisins, almonds/pine nuts, crispy shallots and chickpeas. Toss everything together. Taste and adjust for seasoning - does it need more salt? more acid? Enjoy!
