Chickpea Rice Recipe (Nokhod Polo): Traditional Iranian Dish
Chickpea Rice Recipe is a very hearty and easy Iranian dish, which is the best way to cook food with chickpeas, and its unique taste will attract you to it. Chickpeas have many properties for bones, hair, and skin, and their presence in foods strengthens the body.
Chickpea Rice Recipe in different ways in the countries around Iran, and we at Yummcook have collected the best and easiest methods for you. If you remove the meat in this dish, it is a good option for vegetarians and you can use it for dinner and lunch. This dish is very similar to Turkish Nohutlu Pilav, and if you like chickpeas, you can also try Hummus.
What is Chickpea Rice?
Chickpea Rice Recipe is a traditional Iranian rice dish made with chickpeas, known for its hearty texture and unique flavor.
Ingredients for Chickpea Rice Recipe
Put the chickpeas in water the night before to remove the swelling and put the rice in water with salt 3 hours before.
| Rice | 3 Cup |
| Chickpeas | 1 Glass |
| Onion | 2 Pc |
| Meat | 300 Gram |
| Brewed saffron | 1 Spoon |
| Barberry | 1 Spoon |
| Pistachio slices | As desired |
| Salt, pepper, turmeric | As needed |
How to prepare Chickpea Rice
Step 1
Put the chickpeas in water for 24 hours to remove the swelling and before starting to cook, put it on the heat until it is well cooked and soft, and then put a suitable dish on the heat and an onion. Chop small and cut the meat into small pieces and put it in that dish with some water and give it time until it is soft and cooked well.
Step 2
Pour some oil in a frying pan and chop the onion and put it in until it becomes a little golden and add the cooked meats along with the cooked peas and add the infused saffron and the pistachio slices and barberry and finally the spices. Combine with your ingredients along with salt and let it roast for 10 minutes.
Step 3
Put the rice that you have already soaked in water into boiling water with some salt and give it 15 minutes until the kernel softens a little and drain it until the water is gone and put some rice in a pot and then add some chickpeas on it. Add and do this step by step until the ingredients are finished and close the lid of the pot and put it on a very low heat to infuse. After 1 hour, you can enjoy the food with salad, pickles, vegetables.
Chickpea Rice Recipe (Nokhod Polo): Traditional Iranian Dish
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1:
- Soak chickpeas overnight. Boil until soft. Chop onion and meat, cook in water until tender.
- Step 2:
- Fry onion in oil until golden, add cooked meat and chickpeas, saffron, pistachios, barberry, and spices. Roast for 10 minutes.
- Step 3:
- Soak rice for 3 hours, boil until slightly soft, drain, and layer in pot with chickpeas. Steam on low heat for 1 hour. Serve with salad, pickles, or vegetables.
Benefits of Chickpea Rice
- Supports Bone Mineralization: Chickpea Rice Recipe in calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which help strengthen bones.
- Improves Hair and Nail Growth: The high protein and biotin content in chickpeas promote stronger hair and nails.
- High in Fiber :Aids digestion, supports gut health, and helps you feel full for longer.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Protects the body from oxidative stress and boosts the immune system.
- Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: Contains essential nutrients like iron, folate, and B vitamins for overall health.
- Excellent Source of Protein: Provides plant-based protein, making it a great option for vegetarians.
Disadvantages of Chickpea Rice
- May Cause Bloating: Chickpeas contain fiber and complex carbs that can cause gas if eaten in excess.
- Possible Digestive Issues: Eating too much may lead to discomfort or indigestion in some people.
- Allergy Risk: A small number of people may be allergic to chickpeas or legumes.
- High Cholesterol (If Cooked with Fatty Meats): Using too much oil or red meat can increase the dish’s fat and cholesterol levels.
How Chickpeas are Used in Iranian Cuisine
In Iranian cuisine, nokhod is a fundamental ingredient featured in various dishes. One of the most popular is Nokhod Polo, a traditional Persian rice dish cooked with chickpeas, spices, and often served with meat or vegetables.
Other Popular Iranian Dishes Featuring Nokhod
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Abgoosht: A traditional Iranian lamb stew that often includes chickpeas.
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Kuku Nokhod: A type of chickpea frittata or omelette made with ground chickpeas and herbs.
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Salads and Soups: Chickpeas are frequently added to salads and soups for added texture and protein.
Chickpeas in Global Cuisines
Beyond Iran, chickpeas have a vast presence in world cuisines:
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Middle Eastern: Hummus (chickpea dip), falafel (fried chickpea balls).
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Indian: Chana masala (spiced chickpea curry).
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Mediterranean: Chickpea salads and stews.
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European: Chickpea flour used in baking and cooking.
This global popularity highlights the versatility and universal appeal of chickpeas.
How to Cook Chickpeas (Nokhod) Properly
To enjoy Chickpea Rice Recipe, proper preparation is key:
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Soaking: Dry chickpeas should be soaked overnight or for at least 8 hours to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.
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Cooking: Boil soaked chickpeas until tender (usually 1-2 hours) or use a pressure cooker to speed up the process.
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Canned Chickpeas: Convenient alternatives but rinsing is recommended to reduce sodium content.
Chickpea Rice Recipe can then be added to rice dishes, stews, salads, or mashed for spreads like hummus.
Health Tips: Chickpeas for a Balanced Diet
Including chickpeas in your diet regularly can help maintain:
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Stable blood sugar levels
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Healthy cholesterol
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Digestive health
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Weight control
Try incorporating chickpeas in different meals, from breakfast omelets to dinner stews.
Conclusion:
Chickpea Rice Recipe is cooked like dishes such as lentil pilaf and pilaf beans, and it does not require much time, but it has a very different and attractive taste. you can prepare a dish with vegetable protein for vegetarians by removing the meat. Benefit the body. Note that chickpeas are rich in vegetable protein, which is very useful in food, and we suggest that you prepare this delicious food easily at home and share your opinions with us.
Asked Questions About Chickpea Rice Recipe
1-Is Chickpea Rice Recipe healthy?
Yes, it’s healthy. Chickpea rice is rich in protein, fiber, and minerals, making it a balanced and filling meal.
2-Do chickpeas and rice go together?
Yes, they pair perfectly. Chickpea Rice Recipe complement each other in taste and nutrition, forming a complete protein.
3-Is there a downside to chickpeas?
Eating too many can cause gas or bloating. Soaking and cooking them well reduces this effect.
4-Why is chickpea not a complete protein?
Chickpeas lack methionine, an essential amino acid, but when combined with rice, they form a complete protein.
It is very delicious and nutritious