Lenten Stuffing (Meatless)(Hashwi Bedoun Laham)
A flavorful, meatless stuffing featuring chickpeas, rice, fresh herbs, and spices, perfect for Lenten meals or vegetarian feasts, offering hearty and aromatic flavors.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chickpeas, soaked overnight ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups rice, washed and drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped, or 1 tablespoon dry ⓘ
- 2 medium tomatoes, finely diced ⓘ
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 3/4 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup lemon juice ⓘ
Instructions
- Drain chickpeas and place on a tea towel.
- Roll over with a rolling pin to crack the skin.
- Place in a mixing bowl with 3 to 4 cups of water.
- Remove the skin that floats to the top and discard.
- Drain the chickpeas.
- Add all remaining ingredients to the bowl.
- Mix well until combined.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding some toasted pine nuts or walnuts to the mixture. If you don't have chickpeas, you can substitute them with lentils for a similar texture. Fresh herbs can be swapped according to availability, but make sure to use fresh parsley for the best flavor. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rice can streamline the process. This dish pairs wonderfully with Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Lenten stuffing warm as a side dish or a filling main course. It pairs well with grilled vegetables or a fresh salad like Larry'S Orange And Avocado Salad for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside Herbed Tomato Dressing For Greens to enhance the flavors. This dish is also great for meal prep, as it can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Avoid reheating it multiple times to maintain the best quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lenten Stuffing (Meatless)(Hashwi Bedoun Laham) contains roughly 395 calories, with 6g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (102% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2115mg per serving (92% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried?
Yes, you can use canned chickpeas to save time. Just rinse and drain them well before adding them to the mixture. However, soaking and cooking dried chickpeas offers a fresher taste and better texture.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Lenten stuffing is naturally gluten-free since it uses rice as the base. Just ensure that all your ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially if you are sensitive to gluten.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the stuffing a day in advance. Just mix all the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat it gently, and it will still taste delicious.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).