Layered Pea Casserole (split green peas + wild rice)
Contrary to its name, this recipe creates a cold dish with taste/texture synergy
that permits its serving as a chilled casserole, accompanied by sour cream,
plain yogurt, or cheese. Scoups of this casserole with water (or broth) in 3:2
portions could be used to create hot pea soup, but bond with this cold dish
first and you'll agree that soup is not the only option for split green peas.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups split green peas, soaked
3 1/2 cups water
1 tbsp virgin olive oil
1 large clove garlic, sliced
2 tbsp dried parsley
1 tbsp virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp salt
2 cups chopped yellow onion
1 1/2 cups chopped carrots
3 med. cloves garlic, sliced
2 tbsp virgin olive oil
1 1/4 cups wild rice, rinsed
2 1/2 cups water

Directions:
Sort and rinse split peas, then soak overnight covered in lotsa water.
When soaked, drain and rinse peas, then drain to pressure cook:
In a medium pressure cooker, add soaked peas, water, garlic slices, and
1 tbsp olive oil (to minimize foaming). Pressure cook 25 min., then
turn off heat and allow pressure to reduce naturally (about 15 min.);
a slight hissing sound during cooking indicates sufficient pressure.
Stir into cooked peas, 2 tbsp dried parsley, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt,
and 1/2 tsp cumin powder. Lightly oil a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish,
then spread pea mixture on bottom of dish; cover and allow to cool
(or first transfer pea mixture to another pan for cooling).
Clean pressure cooker, then add rinsed wild rice and 2 1/2 cups water.
Cook 20 min., then turn off heat and allow pressure to reduce naturally
(about 15 min.). Drain any remaining water from the rice just before
adding the rice to the casserole.
While rice is cooking, in a medium pan sauté chopped onions, carrots,
and sliced garlic in 2 tbsp olive oil until al dente (or preferred texture).
Layer sautéd onions and carrots on top of cooked peas, then spread
cooked rice over onions and carrots. Cover dish with plastic wrap,
then allow to cool before refrigerating until served (for better
presentation, maintain layers instead of stirring).
Tip: Use medium heat to warm pressure cooker, then reduce heat
as soon as pressure is sufficient (slight hissing sound occurs).
Rod
