Description
A vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring flavorful falafel balls layered with savory soy sauce-infused rice and sautéed fresh vegetables. This recipe combines aromatic spices, tender chickpeas, and wholesome ingredients to create a satisfying and colorful rice stack perfect for family meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice
- 2 cups rice
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Falafel
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Instructions
- Cook the Rice: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, soy sauce, sesame oil, and garlic powder. Reduce the heat, cover the pot, and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.
- Make the Falafel Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the rinsed chickpeas, chopped parsley, cilantro, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined, then shape the mixture into small balls. Refrigerate the falafel balls for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Cook the Falafel: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the falafel balls and cook them, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the red bell pepper slices, onion slices, and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened but still vibrant.
- Assemble the Stack: In a serving dish, layer the cooked soy sauce-infused rice, then the golden falafel balls, and top with the sautéed vegetables to create an inviting and colorful rice stack.
- Serve: Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the combination of Mediterranean flavors and textures.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- You can prepare the falafel mixture a day ahead to save time on cooking day.
- Adjust the level of spices according to your taste preference.
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- This dish can be served with a side of tahini sauce or plain yogurt for added flavor.
