Photo: vegolosi.it

Presentation

First course prepared with rice, spinach, chickpeas, rosemary, sage, thyme, pepper, walnuts, lemon, soy sauce, Tropea onion and extra virgin olive oil

Ingredients
Serves 4

• 320 g brown rice (about 11 oz / 1½ cups uncooked)
• 150 g fresh baby spinach (about 5.3 oz / 5 cups loosely packed)
• 240 g chickpeas (about 8.5 oz / 1¼ cups cooked)
• 640 ml water (about 2 ¾ cups / 21.6 fl oz)
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 10 sage leaves
• 1 sprig fresh thyme
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 handful walnut halves (about 30 g / 1 oz / ¼ cup)
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (about 45 ml / 1.5 fl oz)
• ½ small red Tropea onion, finely chopped
• Extra-virgin olive oil, as needed (about 2–3 tablespoons / 30–45 ml)

Method

In a large saucepan, pour the rice, water and salt

Cover with a lid and cook the cereal: it will take about 40 minutes.

For the dressing, start by finely chopping the onion

Put it in a non-stick pan together with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.

Turn on the heat over medium heat and sauté adding 3 tablespoons of soy sauce.

Separately, finely chop the rosemary needles, sage leaves, a little thyme and walnut kernels.

Once the onion is wilted, you can add the chopped herbs to the pan and let it flavor for 5-10 minutes.

Add the chickpeas and spinach and sauté until the latter is cooked.

Once the rice is cooked, add it to the sauce in the pan and sauté for a couple of minutes, adding a little lemon juice and a sprinkling of pepper to taste.

Decorate with a few walnut kernels and lemon zest.

Allergens

Chickpeas: contain proteins that can trigger allergic reactions in some individuals

Onion: possible reactivity in case of nickel allergy due to the vegetable’s ability to concentrate it

Lemon: Lemon intolerance or possible cross-reaction in case of grass pollen allergy

Walnuts: included among the allergens in EU Regulation 1169/2011

Extra virgin olive oil: unusual allergy; intolerance not described

Pepper: possible cross-reactivity in case of intolerance to spices

Rice: (allergy very common in the Far East, almost unknown in Italy and Europe). Possible cross-reaction in case of grass sensitivity

Rosemary: possible reaction in case of intolerance to spices

Sage: Possible cross-reactivity in case of sensitivity to composites

Soy: included among the allergens in EU Regulation 1169/2011, which can also generate cross-reaction in cases of allergy to Gramineae, Birch and Parietaria.

Spinach: possible cases of individual intolerance or cross-reactivity in case of birch allergy

Thyme: possible reactivity in case of sensitivity to spices

Notes

To be prepared and handled under strict hygienic conditions.

The ingredients of the dish bring the following benefits:

Chickpeas: bearer of factors that promote the functionality of the immune system and regulate blood sugar and due to the content of mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants, it acts to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathic patients and useful for the functioning of the liver for the contribution of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants.

Onion: it is rich in selenium which supports the immune system and with the ability to stabilize blood glucose at normal values; it provides quercetin, a flavonoid that helps contain cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, parameters related to cardiovascular risk, which also supports liver function by promoting the purification of the body. Also indicated for nephropathic patients, it is a good diuretic that prevents kidney stones. Especially if consumed with the peel, it provides folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Lemon: Rich in substances with antioxidant action: vitamin C, beta-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein and zeaxanthin, which promote the regeneration of liver cells, the functionality of the immune system and which act to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathic patients and useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. A species that provides folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Walnuts: Zinc carriers, an element favourable to the proper functioning of the immune system; also suitable for nephropathic patients. Useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. Useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of omega 3 and 6 fatty acids and vitamin E and rich in omega 3 fatty acids that fight the increase in blood pressure and the presence of bad cholesterol. Rich in magnesium and omega 3 fatty acids important for regulating mood and cognitive function

Extra virgin olive oil: source of Vitamin E that protects the immune system from harmful fatty acids

Pepper: contains piperine, a powerful antioxidant; improves insulin sensitivity by reducing cholesterol levels and activating metabolism. Recommended for people with cardiovascular problems.

Rice: due to its modest protein content, it is suitable for nephropathic and phenylketonuric patients; since it is an antiuric food, it is recommended in case of gout and hyperuricemia.

It stimulates the synthesis of serotonin which counteracts depression and promotes good mood

Rosemary: rich in principles favorable to kidney function (stimulate diuresis), the cardiovascular system by promoting sweating and liver function by promoting bile secretion.

Sage: contains chlorophyll which has detoxifying properties and promotes the proper functioning of the immune system; also suitable for nephropathic patients. Useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants

Soy: provides flavonoids (Vit. P), antioxidants that enhance the action of Vit. C in favor of the immune system and against cardiovascular risk; also suitable for nephropathic patients and useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. Especially if consumed whole, it provides folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract the depressed

Spinach: source of carotenoids, chlorophyll and Vitamin E that protect the immune system from harmful fatty acids and mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants that act to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for kidney patients. It provides folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Thymus: has a favorable action on liver function (cholagogue or choleretic) and diuretic due to the action of chlorogenic and caffeic acids

Safety / Intended use

Product also intended for subjects with:

• Constipation,
• Nausea and vomiting

Not to be administered in case of:

• Dysphagia (problems chewing and swallowing)
• Diarrhea
• Mucositis only in the case of pasta and very cooked vegetables