Apple Rice / Sadam with Chickpeas ~ Day 140

When life gives you an apple tree that bears some really sour apples, it is time to make this quick and delicious apple rice.  I have both apple and fig trees in my backyard.  While the figs are extremely sweet and delicious, the crisp and beautiful apples are not so much.  These tart apples are excellent for making a quick spicy pickle (Indian style) and tastes just like mango pickle.  This healthy apple and chickpeas rice makes an excellent lunchbox option for kids.

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Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 20 minutes

Serves: 4 to 6

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Ingredients:

• Rice - 2 cups, cooked
• Sour apples (like Granny Smith) - 4 cups, grated (after cutting the apples, place them in water mixed with 2 tsp lemon juice to prevent oxidation)
• Oil - 2 tbsp
• Ghee - 2 tbsp
• Mustard seeds - 1 tsp
• Urad dal - 2 tsp
• Green chilies - 4, slit
• Ginger - 1 tbsp, grated
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 tsp
• Asafoetida - a generous pinch
• Red chili powder - 1/2 tsp
• Chickpeas - 1-15oz can, drained and rinsed
• Salt - to taste
• Fresh mint - a handful, finely chopped

Method:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet.  Splutter mustard seeds.  Add uard dal. green chilies, ginger, turmeric powder, and asafoetida.  Fry until the dal turns golden brown.
2. Add the grated apples along  with red chili powder and salt.  Saute for 7 to 8 minutes.  Add the chickpeas and mix well.  Cook for another five minutes.  Add the chopped fresh mint and stir well.
3. Remove from the heat and add the cooked rice.  Drizzle 2 tbsp ghee over the rice and mix gently to coat. Let the rice sit for 5 minutes to absorb the apple mixture.
4. Serve with raita or chips.

Our backyard Apple Tree