Mixed beans stew (oil free)
A hearty and filling stew full of flavour.
Ingredients
- 7-8 handfuls altogether (not separately) of mixed beans, lentils and pearl barley( the barley gives the broth a nice thickness), soaked for 6-7 hours or overnight.
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 handfuls of Arborio rice
- 2 stock cubes ( vegetable or chicken)
- 1 large carrot, cubed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- a little paneer, cut into small cubes(very optional)
- salt and pepper to taste
To be ground together (I did so in a mortar and pestle, doesn't have to be too fine)
- a large pinch of saffron
- 1 and 1/2 tbsp of roasted and ground cumin (store bought cumin powder does not give the desired flavour)- to do this, dry roast whole cumin seeds until thy release their aroma (do not burn) in a small pan and grind when cool
- 1 tsp paprika
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 1/3 tsp of crushed red chillies(more or less)
- 1 tsp tomato puree
- 3 tsp water
Instructions
- Half cook the soaked beans, lentils and barley mix along with the bay leaf and salt in a large saucepan with about 2-3 inches of water over it. Discard the froth that collects on top, and add more water if necessary.
- Add the rice along with the stock cubes, onion and carrot and simmer till done 3/4 of the way. Keep stirring in between and adding more water if necessary( add the water gradually, not lots in one go)
- Add the ground spice paste, mix and simmer till completely cooked.
- Check the salt and add the pepper and paneer.
- Serve hot.