Mediterranean Rice Bowl

Step 1

Using a strainer, rinse the rice under cold water, then drain it completely. In a saucepan over high heat, bring 1 3/4 cups water to a boil. Add the rice, turmeric, garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir once, then cover and simmer 10 to 15 minutes. Once all the liquid has cooked out and the rice is tender, remove the heat. Cover the pot and allow the rice to steam for 5 minutes. Uncover and fluff the rice with a fork. Taste and add a little more salt and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Step 2

Make the tzatziki (or see notes for vegan Tahini Sauce): Meanwhile, grate 1/2 the cucumber using the small holes on a box grater (if using a standard cucumber, peel and seed it first). Place the grated cucumber in a fine mesh strainer and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Sprinkle it with 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, then place over a liquid measuring cup and allow to stand for at least 10 minutes. In a medium bowl, mix the yogurt, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, remaining ½ teaspoon kosher salt, dill, and freshly ground black pepper. Squeeze out more water from the cucumber before adding it to the dip. Stir in the grated cucumber. Depending on your yogurt consistency, you can stir back in the cucumber water (or regular water) until it comes to the desired consistency (some Greek yogurts are very thick!). Stores up to 1 week in the refrigerator.

Step 3

Cook the chickpeas: Drain and rinse the chickpeas. In a medium bowl, mix them with the spices and kosher salt.  Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet. Add the chickpeas (carefully to avoid spitting) and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until warmed through.

Step 4

Slice the remaining half of the cucumber and slice the tomatoes in half. If using red onion instead of pickled onions, slice the onion. Add the rice to a bowl and top with the vegetables and chickpeas, then sprinkle with olives and feta crumbles and add a dollop of tzatziki. Leftovers last up to 3 days refrigerated.