CHICKEN STUFFED RICE BALLS

This is a very interesting recipe that we made at one of our Cookpad class, last year. One of the chefs who normally teaches the class introduced us to it and I loved it! Watch out for the video recipe coming out soon. The best part of this recipe is that it is healthy since it uses no oil, the meal is steamed and so easy to make. I love both rice and chicken, so this fulfils both my love for the 2. It is such a unique way to have your chicken and rice without any hustle! 

BAYLEAF TURMERIC RICE

COCONUT CHICKPEA CURRY WITH BASMATI RICE

This is my first time ever cooking with Chickpeas! It's been, still is, a weird January in Nairobi. We always expect a really hot month in this new month of the year. Over the years it has always been hot! but come 2019, the weather is up and down with most days being called while other days it rains. So I wanted something warming, spicy and comforting. I was just walking by the supermarket shopping for the month when I saw the chickpeas from the corner of my eye. I had only seen most chickpea recipes in vegan or Indian Meals and I got excited to give these grains a try. Chickpea curry was what came to mind as lately I am loving everything spicy and Indian. I knew I would be not only getting a delicious curry dish but one rich in good nutrients, after all,  Chickpeas are a nutrient-dense food, providing rich content of protein, dietary fibre, folate, and certain dietary minerals such as iron and phosphorus per 100 grams. Adding coconut gives this dish a rich aromatic and thick gravy that is perfect for dipping butter naan, eating with chapati or rice. Have you cooked with chickpeas before? What are some of your favorite chickpea recipes?

FLUFFY COCONUT RICE

I can eat a whole bowl of plain rice without stew and be totally happy with myself. Rice is just fragranced aromatic and delicious on its own, especially Basmati rice! I love how coconut brings out the flavors in food, used mostly for desserts, but makes rice a dish you could eat everyday of your life without it becoming boring. This is a simple meal that you can whip up in minutes and eat with some left over beef, chicken or vegetables. Did you know: The varieties of rice are typically classified as long-, medium-, and short-grained. The grains of long-grain rice (high in amylose) tend to remain intact after cooking; medium-grain rice (high in amylopectin) becomes more sticky. Medium-grain rice is used for sweet dishes, for risotto in Italy, and many rice dishes, such as arròs negre, in Spain. Some varieties of long-grain rice that are high in amylopectin, known as Thai Sticky rice, are usually steamed. A stickier medium-grain rice is used for sushi; the stickiness allows rice to hold its shape when molded. Medium-grain rice is used extensively in Japan, including to accompany savoury dishes, where it is usually served plain in a separate dish. Short-grain rice is often used for rice pudding. Instant rice differs from parboiled rice in that it is fully cooked and then dried, though there is a significant degradation in taste and texture. Rice flour and starch often are used in batters and breadings to increase crispiness. Now you know!