In a Crock Pot
To Soak:
2 c dried chick peas
2 c whole risotto (round) rice
1 c dried apricot
To Blend:
1 peeled and cubed sweet potato
1 cubed zucchini
3 cloves of garlic
2 c water (can use water from soaked apricots)
1½ T whole cumin seed
1½ T saffron
Pinch of cinnamon
Pinch of nutmeg
Vegetables To Add In:
2 cubed onions (can lightly sauté)
8 carrots cut to preference
~ 6 cabbage leaves
+1 T coconut oil to add in to mixture
Soak the rice and chick peas overnight+. I recommend soaking in warm water with a bit of apple cider added to the water. They are soaked to remove phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors. The phytic acid will inhibit mineral absorption. Soaking can increase mineral absorption tenfold or more. The apple cider will facilitate this process. It is important to rinse the rice and chick peas well after they have been soaked. The dried apricots should be soaked in the refrigerator. The left over water from the apricots may be used for the mixture in the blender for a slightly sweater taste.
In the blender add the sweet potato and zucchini to the water and spices and blend.
Add the blended mixture to a large bowl with the rice, chick peas, apricot, vegetables and coconut oil.
Mix well and add to greased crock pot.
I like to cover my casserole with cabbage leaves. This retains the moisture and prevents the rice and legumes from drying out. Should you wish to prepare meat in your crock pot as well, you may lay the meat on top of the cabbage leaves. This will provide a barrier and absorb much of the meat’s fat.
I like to use risotto rice but any kind of whole rice will work well. Of course, you may choose to work with other legumes as well. Just remember to soak them. Similarly, you may choose to add or replace vegetables. You may try sweet potatoes, kohlrabi, potatoes, beets and even cauliflower, although that will cook to be very soft.
Changing the content of your casserole will require you to rethink the amount of liquids that you are adding to the pot.
Cook at an oven temperature of 100 degrees Celsius or 210 degrees Fahrenheit for about 6.5 hours.