I invented dinner last night. I rarely cook when I’m home alone, but felt like something more than strawberries in sparkling water. 

Digging around in the pantry, I pulled out a package of basmati rice, a can of chickpeas, some weird cured olives, and spices. 

I simmered the basmati under non-speedy instructions, added a healthy does of asafetida, salt, cinnamon, and cloves, and topped with butter while it simmered.

Then I mixed up the chickpeas, some cottage cheese (didn’t have any yogurt on hand, but it did the trick!), a few olives, salt, dill weed, and freshly picked mint. I let it sit together while the rice was cooking, and when the rice was finished, heated up/quick-fried the chickpea mixed. 

Went pretty well with some hoisin sauce! Next time, more cottage cheese.