Balkan Vegetable Chestnut Rice Delight
Dive into the heart of the Balkans with this exquisite vegetarian dish that combines the earthy flavors of chestnuts with the zing of chipotle pepper and the freshness of cucumber. This savory dish is perfect for a delightful, cozy dinner for two, and is sure to impress with its complex flavors and satisfying textures. Enjoy the simplicity and flair of a traditional Balkan recipe, reimagined for a modern, vegetarian palate.
Serves: 2, Difficulty: Expert
Ingredients
- 200 grams of chestnuts
- 150 grams of jasmine rice
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 chipotle pepper, finely chopped
- 30 grams of sesame seeds
- 50 grams of bean sprouts
- 30 ml of rice vinegar
- 10 grams of fresh basil, chopped
- 1 medium beet, shredded
- 100 grams of bean thread noodles
- 30 ml of caramel
- 1 medium kohlrabi, peeled and sliced
- 10 grams of fresh coriander, chopped
- 2 grams of salt
- 2 grams of pepper
- 30 ml of olive oil
- 10 ml of soy sauce
- 2 grams of garlic powder
Method
- Begin by boiling the jasmine rice in 300 ml of water until cooked. Set aside to cool.
- Roast the chestnuts in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20 minutes. Peel and chop them into small pieces.
- Cook the bean thread noodles in boiling water for 3 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté the chopped chipotle pepper for 2 minutes.
- Add the shredded beet and sliced kohlrabi to the pan, sauté for 5 minutes until slightly tender.
- In a small bowl, mix the rice vinegar, caramel, soy sauce, and garlic powder to create a flavorful sauce.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, roasted chestnuts, sautéed vegetables, cucumber slices, bean sprouts, and cooked bean thread noodles.
- Pour the sauce over the mixture and toss to combine.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds, fresh basil, and coriander. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful flavors of this Balkan-inspired dish.
Tips
- Roast the chestnuts until the shells burst slightly for easier peeling.
- Use fresh chipotle pepper for a more intense and smoky flavor.
- Allow the rice to cool slightly before mixing to avoid a mushy texture.
Nutritional Information
| Nutritional Component | Amount per 100 grams | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 95 kcal | 200 kcal |
| Energy | 398 kJ | 840 kJ |
| Fat | 3 grams | 6 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5 grams | 1.1 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 15 grams | 30 grams |
| Sugars | 2 grams | 4 grams |
| Proteins | 2 grams | 4.3 grams</
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