Iraqi Layered Fresh Fava Beanbroad Beans Rice Food

IRAQI LAYERED FRESH FAVA BEAN/BROAD BEANS & RICE

Steps:

• If using a rice cooker, measure the amount of water for the rice only then add and mix all ingredients together. If using a conventional pot, mix all ingredients together and cover with water that measures about the width of a finger above the rice line. Cover, bring to a boil, lower heat and allow to steam for about 1/2 hour. You can check the rice and beans for doneness.
• Traditionally, when the rice is half cooked, it's divided in half, the mung beans and onions are laid on the bottom half and the rest of the rice is then laid on top (hence "m'tubuq" meaning "layered". Cover again and continue to steam.
• Serve with dollops of plain yogurt or date syrup (dibis).

IRAQI MUNG BEANS AND RICE - MASH M'TUBUQ

Steps:

• If using a rice cooker, measure the amount of water for the rice only. Otherwise, mix all ingredients together and cover with water that measures about the width of a finger above the rice line. Cover, bring to a boil, lower heat and allow to steam for about 1/2 hour. You can check the rice and beans for doneness.
• Traditionally, when the rice is half cooked, it's divided in half, the mung beans and onions are laid on the bottom half of the rice in the pan and the rest of the rice is then laid on top (hence "m'tubuq" meaning "layered". Cover again and continue to steam.
• When done, it can be served with plain yogurt or date syrup (dibbis). I prefer nice tart yogurt.

PERSIAN RICE WITH FAVA BEANS AND DILL (BAQALA POLOW)

Steps:

• Wash the rice by placing it in a large container and covering it with water. Agitate gently with your hand, then pour off the water. Repeat 5 times until the water is no longer cloudy. Drain, using a fine-mesh colander, and set aside.
• If using fresh fava beans in the pod, shell and remove second skins. If using frozen favas with second skins removed, place in a colander and rinse thoroughly. Set aside.
• Heat ¼ cup (60ml) oil in a large, non-stick pot over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the cinnamon stick, leek, and garlic, and stir-fry for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the leek is wilted. Add the rice, salt, pepper, turmeric, cardamom, and rose water, and stir-fry for another 1 minute.
• Add the water, tip in the skinned fava beans and bring back to a boil, stirring gently twice with a wooden spoon, to loosen any grains that may have stuck to the bottom of the pot. Cover firmly with a lid to prevent any steam from escaping. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed.
• Add the dill and fluff using 2 forks. Drizzle the remaining oil and the saffron-infused rose water over the rice. Cover again, reduce heat to low, and cook for another 10 minutes. Remove the pot from heat and allow to cool, still covered, for 5 minutes.
• Serve with fried eggs and Yogurt and Persian Shallot Dip or alongside roasted lamb or fish.