Channa Masala and Spinach Fried Rice Bowls

I love making noodle and rice bowls and so I thought why couldn’t I make one with Indian ingredients.. that is how this bowl came about. If you want to leave it completely vegetarian and more vegan, eliminate the egg.

• 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked for at least 2 to 3 hours
• 1 14 ounces can fire roasted tomatoes with chili
• 1 small onion
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 inch fresh ginger
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons cumin seeds
• 3 cloves
• 2 inch cinnamon stick
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 black tea bag
• 3 cups water
• Salt
• 2 teaspoons garam masala

Transfer the tomatoes, onion, garlic and ginger to a blender. Blend well till everything is well combined and formed into a sauce. Keep aside. Heat a pressure cooker to a large saucepan with the butter. Add the cumin seeds, cloves, cinnamon stick and bay leaf. Saute for 30 seconds on medium heat. Add the drained chickpeas, tea bag, salt and water. Bring to a boil and follow directions for the pressure cooker and cook under pressure for 2 hours. If using a regular saucepan, cook for 2 to 3 hours or more depending on how long the chickpeas were soaked. Keep adding more water as needed. Once the chickpeas are soft and tender, bring to a boil and cook till a thick soup consistency if formed. Check for seasonings and garnish with garam masala.

Spinach Brown Rice with Mustard Seeds Fried Rice

• 1 cup brown rice, rinsed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups water

Heat a medium saucepan with the butter. Add the rice and salt and sauté for a minute. Add the water and bring to a boil. Partially cover the saucepan with lid and cook on medium low heat till most of the water is cooked away, about 15 minutes. Cover with lid and lower the heat to low and cook for another 20 to 25 minutes or till the rice is cooked through. Fluff rice with fork and let cool.

• ¼ cup coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
• 4 to 5 curry leaves
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 pounds baby spinach, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• Salt

Heat a wok like pan with the coconut oil. Add the cumin seeds, mustard seeds and curry leaves and cook for 30 seconds on medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes on medium heat. Add the spinach and let it wilt, add the cool rice and soy sauce. Cook on high heat for 3 to 4 minutes. Add salt if needed.

Tomato and Cucumber Relish

• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup cucumbers, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Juice of one lemon

Mix everything together and keep aside.

Assemble bowls with the spinach rice, channa masala and relish. Top with fried eggs if desired and garnish with some chili sauce.