Savory Chick Peas

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

1 cup dried chick peas
2 tablespoons oil or ghee (clarified butter)
2 onions, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 large ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1 fresh green chili, seeded and chopped
4 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Microwave Method:

1. Cover peas with cold water; soak overnight. Drain and rinse. Place chick peas in a large bowl, add 3 cups cold water. Cook covered for 35-40 minutes on HIGH, or until just tender. When cooked, drain, rinse and set aside.
2. In a large casserole dish put oil, onions, garlic, ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, pepper and chili. Cook for 2 minutes on HIGH.
3. Add tomato, mint, lemon juice and chick peas to the dish. Cover and cook for 20-22 minutes on HIGH, stir during cooking. Serve with rice.

Convection Microwave Method:

1. Cover peas with cold water; soak overnight. Drain and rinse. Place chick peas in a large bowl, add 3 cups cold water. Cook covered for 35-40 minutes on HIGH, or until just tender. When cooked, drain, rinse and set aside.
2. In a large casserole dish add remaining ingredients. Stir and cook for 2 minutes on HIGH.
3. Add chick peas to casserole dish. Cover and cook on the Low Grill Rack for 1 hour on SLOW COOK. Stir during cooking. Serve with rice.

Note: Quick-Soaking Process

Place a cup of any variety of beans in a large bowl, add 2 cups of cold water and cover. Cook for 5 minutes on HIGH. Allow to stand covered for 1 hour. This takes the place of the overnight soaking method.