Turkish Rice Pilau with Eggplant and Chickpeas

This fragrant dish was inspired by the Turkish method for making pilaf.

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This fragrant dish was inspired by the Turkish method for making pilaf.

Servings
8

Ingredients

  • 3 medium-sized eggplants, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 4 Tbs. olive oil
  • 2 medium-sized onions, chopped 1/3 cup pine nuts
  • 1 1/2 cups basmati rice
  • 1 tsp. ground allspice
  • 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
  • 1 24-oz. can whole peeled tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 1 15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup currants
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

Place colander in sink or bowl. Place eggplant cubes in colander, and sprinkle generously with salt. Toss to combine, and let sit 1⁄2 hour. Drain on paper towel-lined plate.

Heat 2 Tbs. olive oil in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add eggplant, and cook 10 minutes, or until browned, stirring occasionally. Transfer eggplant to plate lined with paper towels to drain.

Add 2 Tbs. oil to skillet; reduce heat to medium. Stir in onions and pine nuts; cook 5 minutes, stirring, or until onions are translucent. Add rice, and cook 5 minutes, or until pine nuts begin to brown. Stir in allspice and cinnamon; cook 1 minute. Add eggplant, tomatoes, chickpeas, currants, bay leaf and 3 cups water. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Reduce heat to low; cover, and simmer 20 minutes.

Remove pan from heat, and let sit, covered, 10 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Information

  • Calories 347
  • Carbohydrate Content 54 g
  • Cholesterol Content 0 mg
  • Fat Content 12 g
  • Fiber Content 11 g
  • Protein Content 9 g
  • Saturated Fat Content 1 g
  • Sodium Content 326 mg
  • Sugar Content 14 g

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