Today’s tiffin box was this flavourful Basil and Chickpeas Rice. Since I had tried this first time, I was little apprehensive too. Now I was experimenting for tiffin time so this was like 6:30 in morning. I seriously had to be much more sure around this time. However here are few things which helped me. Using a little homemade tomato sauce to give little sweetness as well as succulency. Since I don’t use lot of oil tomato sauce was needed. Also using vegetables along with chickpeas gave some extra moisture. .Otherwise just chickpeas can get more dry specially the chickpeas part.If you don’t have homemade sauce, I would say use tomato puree with little unrefined sugar.
Next I didn’t use too many spices in this Basil and Chickpeas Rice. I just added a bit of garam masala, black pepper and salt along with lemon juice to make a good blend. The aroma has to be of Basil leaves hence all the other things were in minimal quantity to let basil shine out. Also add some handful of green onion shallots for some extra crunch , but also depends how much you child really likes greens. If not then make the changes accordingly. Sometimes adding green onions finally chopped at the start also helps, kids then don’t pick them out.
Now since this was in tiffin , we didn’t have much choice of gravy but otherwise and simple medium spiced gravy or even raita would go well. For the records I just enjoyed it without anything else. I ofcourse love Basil flavour too. Another interesting touch in the recipe could be addition of some tofu for enhanced protein and some chewiness too. You can add some additional seasonings like red pepper, fried garlic , cumin powder too. So seasonings only go as per your demand but remember not to let them cut down the aroma and flavour of Basil. Please don’t replace Basil with anything for them it won’t be Basil rice 🙂
Oh ya! you must also try Egg Basil Rice
It’s equally easy and tasty 🙂
Basil and Chickpeas Rice
Super easy way to pack a complete meal for tiffin box
Ingredients
- 20 Basil Leaves
- 1 1/2 cup cup Steamed Rice
- 1 cup Boiled Chick Peas
- 1 tbsp Chopped Garlic
- 1/4 cup Sliced French Beans
- 1/4 cup Sliced Carrot
- 1 cup Spring Onions Greens Chopped
- 1 Spring Onion White Sliced
- 1 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/4 tsp Garam Masala
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tbsp Salt
- 1 tbsp Oil
- 1 tbsp Tomato Sauce (Homemade) or Puree
Instructions
Heat oil and saute garlic and then white onions and add the vegetables and toss them on slow flame.
Now add 3-4 basil leaves, black pepper and garam masala with gradually mix boiled chick peas too.
After 2 mins of cooking add some more basil leaves and spring onions , salt and tomato paste/sauce/puree. If you are adding paste add 1/2 tsp of unrefined sugar too.
Now cover this with steamed rice and then add all the green onions chopped and rest of basil leaves too. Sprinkle some more black pepper and cover the lid and put the flame on slow.
Let this cook on slow for 2-3 mins and then put off the flame and let rice soak all the basil aroma.
After a while gradually mix everything and serve hot.