“Savory Saffron Piquillo Pepper Rice”

If you like paella then you will love this dish. Here is a hearty dish full of the plant based goodness of brown rice, garlic, onions, and chickpeas. And this dish is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. And this recipe takes very little time to make and will soothe your soul’s need for something hot and savory.
Another Whole-Foods Plant-Based Recipe.

Ingredients:

3 - Cups of Organic Brown Rice - you could use risotto rice if you want.

1- 10 oz Jar of Organic Piquillo Peppers - Chopped - You can find these peppers at any Spanish Market… these peppers are very common in Spain. Buy peppers packed in water… not oil. Piquillo peppers have a very particular flavor that goes well with lots of recipes.

2 - Cups of Organic Cooked Chickpeas

1 - Cup of Organic Cooked Black Beans

1 - Organic Yellow Onion Chopped

6 - Cloves of Organic Garlic - Minced

1/2 - Cup of Organic Parsley - Minced Very Fine

4 - Organic Bay Leaves

12 - Oz of Organic Black Olives

1/2 - Organic Lemon - Squeezed for Juice

3 - Tablespoons of Dry Sherry - Organic if you can find it

1 - Teaspoon of Organic Ground Thyme

3/4 - Teaspoon of Organic Saffron Threads

3 - Organic Salt-Free Veggie Bouillon Cubes

Enough Filtered Water to Cover

Salt and Pepper to Taste

Sauté the garlic and onions in a large ceramic none stick pan until brown. Then remove from the pan and place the browned garlic and onions in a large pot. Add all the rest of the ingredients and cook the rice as you normally would cook brown rice. Once done season the dish with salt and pepper to your taste. That’s It!

This can also be done using an Electronic Pressure Cooker instead of large pot.

Let cool and serve with a nice green salad.

Serves 15 people… or 6 big guys with a huge appetite.

Health Benefit of Organic Saffron

Saffron as a spice has been around for years and most saffron comes from Spain, Europe, and South West Asia.

New studies show that when you ingest around 80 mg twice a day of saffron extract it increases neuropeptides which will increase serotonin in your brain which leads to increased feelings of happiness and contentment. Saffron contains satiereal which helps with anxiety and cravings and thus you eat less (and most people eat because of anxiety) and there is one great side effect… you feel better and your mood is enhanced.

And people are losing between 3 to 5 pounds in 3 days using saffron.–Amazing!

Studies show that satiereal which is the main ingredient in most saffron can lower cravings and hunger by over 80%. — Wow!

Other new studies show that saffron extract is also great for depression. In studies, it was found that saffron extract works just as well as all the anti-depression medications on the market.

Even more, studies show that saffron extract works great for PMS. And in men saffron has been used for healing premature ejaculation… and saffron works as a good libido enhancing agent. And saffron has been used to treat asthma, heartburn, insomnia, coughs, and even for hardening of the arteries. Saffron also helps in the production of certain hormones which are anti-inflammatory agents that help with the pain of arthritis and joint disease. Plus as an added benefit you have more energy when you eat saffron. And saffron also contains crocin which prevents cancer.

And in more studies, saffron was shown to improve memory and cognitive abilities and also help prevent macular degeneration. And saffron may benefit those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Most of all saffron extract is all natural and is very safe. Plus saffron, in general, is one of the best spices ever. You can find organic saffron at your local health food store… or you can order organic saffron online and saffron can be found on Amazon and eBay.

Remember Eat Organic Food - Always use organic saffron, regular fruits, veggies, spices, and other foods contain up to 6 cancer causing chemicals, 12 hormone-disrupting chemicals, and 10 other disease causing chemicals… Eat Organic and Stay Healthy!

Enjoy this Saffron Paella Rice with Chickpeas!

Dr. Paul Haider - Master Herbalist