15ounceschickpeascanned or cooked, low-sodium or no-salt-added
Saffron rice
1-1/2cupswhite ricebasmati preferred (270 g)
3cupswater (filtered or spring)
1/2tspsaffron
Instructions
Chickpea masala
Heat 2 C. (500 ml) filtered water almost to boiling. Add the chipotle pepper and let it steep while you are doing the other prep. If you are making saffron rice (see below), heat the water now and put the saffron in to steep.
Wash the leek or onion and slice it thinly. Scrub and dice the carrots. Peel and mince the garlic. Rinse and drain the chickpeas. Wash and chop the kale.
Heat the oil in a large sauté pan and add the seeds, stirring until they pop. When they crackle, add the garlic, leeks, bay leaves, and carrots and cook for about 10 minutes.
Add the soaked chipotle chili, coconut milk, tomato paste, juicer pulp or kale, and chickpeas. Fill the coconut milk can with some of the chili-soaking water, stir, and add to the pan. If making the saffron rice, start cooking it now.
Stir until everything is mixed. Bring almost to a boil, then turn down. Cook for 20-30 minutes. Add salt to taste. Before serving, remove the chili and bay leaves. Serve over brown rice or white rice cooked with saffron unless you are on a grain-free diet.
Saffron rice
Heat the water in a medium-sized saucepan with a lid. Add the saffron and let steep at least 15 minutes. In another bowl, cover the rice in filtered water and let it soak.
When you are 20 minutes from wanting to eat, bring the water to a boil and add the drained rice. Put on the lid, turn down to low, and cook 10-12 minutes. Turn off and let sit with the lid on until you are ready to serve. Fluff with a fork.