This delicious recipe is very easy to make, and should not take more than 20-25 minutes. I strongly recommend this recipe to anyone who is looking to enjoy a tasty and nutrient-rich meal. Pilafi is a traditional dish from the island Crete; the biggest and most southern island of Greece. The dish I am introducing is a modified version of it that my grandparents make and is just as good, if not better!
The great thing about it is that it is a healthy combination of most food groups as opposed to other meals that are more concentrated to specific ones. For instance, it contains vegetables such as tomatoes, mushrooms and chickpeas. In addition, there are grains and cereals since it is prepared with rice and is also a great source of protein since it is made with spinach, chicken broth and chickpeas. Finally we also get a small portion of dairy from the feta cheese. Another advantage is that most of the ingredients are commonly found as staple ingredients in household pantries or at any local supermarket. The only culture-specific ingredient is the Greek feta cheese; however nowadays there shouldn't be a problem finding it in the majority of commercial supermarkets and of course at a local Greek supermarket such as Mourelatos.
Prior to this assignment, I had actually prepared it on my own, but I have helped my grandparents prepare it many times. This was a wonderful experience, given that the smell and taste of pilafi and fasolia always remind me of being back home in Greece. The vibrant colors of foods and the addition of lemon, mint and oregano provide a light and fresh dish that mimics a warm sunny day in the islands. The savory ingredients allow for a taste of tradition in every mouthful.
The following are the ingredient necessary to prepare Pilafi and Fasolia:
10 oz. of diced tomatoes
2 tbsp. of olive oil
1 cup of uncooked rice
2/3 cup of chicken broth
10 oz. of sliced mushrooms
1 chopped onion
2 cloves of minced garlic
15 oz. of drained chickpeas
1/2 a pound of spinach
4 oz. of crumbled feta cheese
some oregano
1 tbsp. of chopped mint leaves
some lemon juice
1/4 tsp. salt
Directions to making Pilafi and Fasolia:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat chicken broth until it boils.
2. Add rice untill it starts boiling again.
3. Reduce heat and cover with a slight opening untill most liquid is absorbed.
4. While it is thickening, add mushrooms, garlic and oil in a large skillet and stir until vegetables become tender. (Approximately 10 minutes)
5. Finally pour everything in the saucepan with rice and chicken broth, and add the spinach, feta, tomatoes, chickpeas and crushed mint leaves.
6. Add a touch of oregano, salt and lemon juice.
7. Let it cook for about 5 minutes.
8. Last but not least, enjoy it!
The great thing about it is that it is a healthy combination of most food groups as opposed to other meals that are more concentrated to specific ones. For instance, it contains vegetables such as tomatoes, mushrooms and chickpeas. In addition, there are grains and cereals since it is prepared with rice and is also a great source of protein since it is made with spinach, chicken broth and chickpeas. Finally we also get a small portion of dairy from the feta cheese. Another advantage is that most of the ingredients are commonly found as staple ingredients in household pantries or at any local supermarket. The only culture-specific ingredient is the Greek feta cheese; however nowadays there shouldn't be a problem finding it in the majority of commercial supermarkets and of course at a local Greek supermarket such as Mourelatos.
Prior to this assignment, I had actually prepared it on my own, but I have helped my grandparents prepare it many times. This was a wonderful experience, given that the smell and taste of pilafi and fasolia always remind me of being back home in Greece. The vibrant colors of foods and the addition of lemon, mint and oregano provide a light and fresh dish that mimics a warm sunny day in the islands. The savory ingredients allow for a taste of tradition in every mouthful.
The following are the ingredient necessary to prepare Pilafi and Fasolia:
10 oz. of diced tomatoes
2 tbsp. of olive oil
1 cup of uncooked rice
2/3 cup of chicken broth
10 oz. of sliced mushrooms
1 chopped onion
2 cloves of minced garlic
15 oz. of drained chickpeas
1/2 a pound of spinach
4 oz. of crumbled feta cheese
some oregano
1 tbsp. of chopped mint leaves
some lemon juice
1/4 tsp. salt
Directions to making Pilafi and Fasolia:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat chicken broth until it boils.
2. Add rice untill it starts boiling again.
3. Reduce heat and cover with a slight opening untill most liquid is absorbed.
4. While it is thickening, add mushrooms, garlic and oil in a large skillet and stir until vegetables become tender. (Approximately 10 minutes)
5. Finally pour everything in the saucepan with rice and chicken broth, and add the spinach, feta, tomatoes, chickpeas and crushed mint leaves.
6. Add a touch of oregano, salt and lemon juice.
7. Let it cook for about 5 minutes.
8. Last but not least, enjoy it!
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I must try this!
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