CARIBBEAN SPLIT PEAS WITH MANGO SALSA

4 servings

2.5 cups water
1 cup yellow split peas, rinsed & drained
1 medium mango, peeled & cubed
1/2 cup salsa
1/2 cup canned pineapple chunks – drained & coarsely chopped
1 Tab fresh coriander, chopped
2 tsp each of white wine vinegar and lime juice
1/2 tsp grd cumin
3 tsp olive oil, divided
1  cup scallions, chopped
1/2 tsp each of grd ginger & allspice
1/4 tsp grd cardamon
1/2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup low-salt vege stock
1  tsp drk brown sugar or 1/2 tsp honey
1 medium bunch kale

1.  In a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, bring the water & split peas to the boil, reduce to low. Cover & simmer 250-30 mins until tender. Drain and set aside.

2.  Meanwhile, in a medium bowl combine the mango, salsa, pineapple, coriander, vinegar, lime & cumin; set aside.

3.  In a large non-stick frypan, heat 2 tsp oil, add the scallions; cook, stirring frequently, 2-3 mins til tender. Stir in spices and cook 1 min.

4.  Stir in the oj, stock & sweetening. Add the split peas; cook, stirring frequently 10-15 mins. until mixture thickens.

5.  Meanwhile, wash the kale in plenty of cold water and remove any thick stems. If leaves are large, coarsely chop them. Shake off some of the excess water.
In a Dutch oven over med. heat,  warm remaining oil. Add kale; cook, stirring constantly  for 4-5 mins until wilted.

6.  Line a serving platter with the kale. Top with pea mixture, then with the mango mixture.

Slow Cooked BROWN RICE CONGEE With Ginger + Shallots

INGREDIENTS

180 g (6 oz) organic brown rice
2 litres (64 fl oz) water or vegetable stock
1 spring onion, sliced
1/4 teaspoon cold pressed sesame oil
Pinch shichimi togarashi (see notes)

  1. Place rice into a pot and dry-roast over a low heat until fragrant, but not coloured.
  2. Pour over the water or stock and bring to the boil.
  3. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover and slow-cook the rice, stirring regularly for 1 hour or until rice is soft. The end mix should look creamy.
  4. Spoon into generous serving bowls and garnish with shredded ginger, tamari, coriander, sesame oil, shichimi togarashi and turmeric if using.

Accompaniments (allow each person to choose)
fresh ginger, sliced
coriander  leaves
wheat free – tamari soy sauce
ground or fresh turmeric

Notes + Inspiration
Brown rice can be replaced with quinoa, barley or whole oat groats.
A light sprinkle of fried shallots can be used for extra crunch and texture.
Use chicken stock in place of water or vegetable stock – add poached organic chicken, fish or a beaten egg for added protein.

Shichimi togarashi is a traditional Japanese seasoning with a hot chilli bite. It contains sea salt, chilli, white poppy seeds, golden sesame seeds, black sesame seeds, orange peel, brown mustard seeds, Sichuan pepper and lemon myrtle.