Lubiya (cowpeas) is a legume that is nutritious and easy to cook. It is an important addition to the vegetarian diet. Black eyed peas are a type of cowpea. See Wikipedia for more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cowpea

Molochiya (mallow) is a leafy vegetable that is nutritiously building for the body. It is an important addition to all diets, especially diets that are lacking in iron and Vitamin E. See Wikipedia for more information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulukhiyah

Ingredients

1 cup lubia

½ tsp dried marjoram

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3 Tbsp olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2-4 cloves garlic, chopped

4 cups loosely pack molochiya leaves, chopped

1 ½-2 tsp salt

1 cup brown rice

2 bay leaves

2 ½ cups water

Pepper to taste (optional)

Steps

1. Wash the lubiya and then soak it for at least four hours. Drain the water. Cook the lubiya in a large pot or a pressure cooker. Use enough water to cover the lubiya well, and add the marjoram. If using a pressure cooker, cook under pressure for 20 minutes. If using a large pot, cook until the lubiya is soft but holds its shape. Drain the lubiya. (Save the water for use in soup.)
2. In a large pot, heat the olive oil and then saute the chopped onion until soft.
3. Add the garlic and saute for 2 minutes. Add the molochiya and stir constantly for 2 minutes. Add the salt.
4. Add the rice and stir constantly for 1 minute. Add the water and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and cover the pot.
5. Cook the rice mixture for 40 minutes. Check the water level in the pot after 25 minutes. If the rice is starting to stick, add ½ cup more water.
6. Stir in the pepper and the drained lubiya. Mix well. If the lubiya was not hot when you added it, warm the mixture making sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

Servings: 4-5