Timman Bagilla (Iraqi Dill and Broad Bean Rice)
Local name: تمن باقلاء
In short: Fluffy basmati rice cooked with tender broad beans and a big handful of fresh dill, scented with cinnamon and cardamom and finished with hot oil. It takes about 1 h in total and makes 6 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 40 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 1 h
- Servings
- 6
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 385 kcal
Timman bagilla is rice, broad beans and dill, and it is the dish many Iraqis name as the one they grew up on. The beans soften into the rice, the dill perfumes the whole pot, and a little cinnamon and cardamom add warmth. It is served with a cucumber and tomato salad and pickles. Fresh broad beans appear in spring, but frozen ones work all year.
Instructions
- Rinse the rice in several changes of cold water until it runs clear. Soak it in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain well.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of the oil in a wide heavy pot over medium heat. Cook the onion for 6 minutes until soft. Add the cinnamon, cardamom and turmeric and stir for 30 seconds.
- Add the broad beans and stir for 2 minutes. Add the drained rice and stir gently for 1 minute to coat the grains in oil.
- Pour in the water and add the salt. Bring to a boil and boil uncovered for about 6 minutes, until the water has dropped to the level of the rice.
- Fold in half the dill, then cover with a tight lid, wrapping a towel around the lid if you like. Cook on the lowest heat for 15 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, fold in the rest of the dill and serve.
Tips
- Dried dill works in a pinch, about 3 tablespoons, but fresh gives the right fragrance. Add it near the end so it keeps its color.
- Peel the outer skins from large frozen broad beans for a softer texture. Once the lid is on, do not stir, so the rice stays fluffy.
Questions and answers
What do you serve with timman bagilla?
A cucumber and tomato salad, pickles and a plate of fresh herbs and radishes go well. A tomato and chickpea stew also works as a side.
Can I use canned broad beans?
Yes, drain and rinse them and add them in the last 5 minutes of cooking so they do not turn to mush.
Can I make it ahead?
It keeps for 3 days in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of water, covered, in a pan or the microwave.
How long does it take to make Timman Bagilla (Iraqi Dill and Broad Bean Rice)?
About 1 h in total: 20 min of preparation and 40 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Timman Bagilla (Iraqi Dill and Broad Bean Rice)?
About 385 kcal per serving, with 9 g of protein, 63 g of carbohydrates and 10 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 385 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 63 g |
| Fat | 10 g |
| Fiber | 7 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 760 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
