Since I’m on the topic of garbanzos — and the world’s Christy’s best hummus, too — it seems fitting to share this find: Chana Masaledar. And a dash of Rumi, too.
That’s to say, I found Chana Masaledar in “The Essential Rumi.” Can’t say that I’ve ever snagged a recipe between the covers of a poetry book, but who am I to look fate — and a fortuitous find — in the mouth. Well, maybe in this case, the taste bud.
The complex spices are like layers of a poem: Intense, at opposite ends of the spectrum, filling and savory. Don’t skimp on the spices. But do enjoy with a bold, red wine. A yogurt sauce would be yummy, too.
Chana Masaledar
4 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 piece of fresh ginger, about 1/2 inch square, peeled and grated
2 tablespoons tomato paste
3 or 4 sun-dried tomatoes, diced (This is a Christy add)
3 cups garbanzos
salt to taste
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons lemon juice
Garnish:
3 tomatoes, quartered
1 medium onion
4 green chilies, or a green pepper, sliced
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. When hot, put in the whole cumin seeds. As soon as they begin to darken, after a few seconds, add the chopped onion. Stir and fry for about 7 minutes. Turn heat to low and add the cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and coriander. Mix and add the garlic and ginger, stirring for 3 minutes. Add sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste. Add garbanzos with a couple of tablespoons of waater to the mixture. Add salt, cayenne and lemon juice. Mix well, cover and let simmer to combine the flavors for about 10 minutes. Stir gently, but be careful not to break the garbanzos. Serve with basmati rice in a bowl lined with quartered tomatoes, raw onion slivers and peppers. Serves 4.
And now a little Rumi, along with Loreena McKennitt. Enjoy.
-Christy
Filed under: Christy Lochrie, Food, Frugal Feast, conversation, poetry | Tagged: poetry, Food, Rumi, garbanzo, Chana Masaledar
