Go-to pantry staples (hello, pantry cooking), rice and canned chickpeas find new life in this craveable dish made to be a vegetarian main, yet also at home as a side dish on any occasion. The fragrant basmati is combined with melted shallots, garam masala, and dates, while the chickpeas are transformed into crispy, turmeric-spiced orbs. Pistachios add a pop of nutty flavor while cilantro draws out the earthy undertones. Garam masalaa blend of cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and cardamom and other spicesadds subtle warmth to the rice, while the dates bring jammy sweetness, which contrast the savory shallots and crispy chickpeas. Pro tip: rinsing the rice before cooking is the key to fluffy, separated grains of rice, as it removes excess starch before cooking, so don't skip this step. (and by the way, jasmati rice is a great swap, if needed. ).
