BaltimOregon to Maine

Chickpea Dal with Argula/Watercress

Yes, this region is known for its abundant farmers’ markets and vineyards. But half the tillable land in the Willamette Valley is planted with the inedible crash-crop grass seed. Linn County, which neighbors Corvallis, is known as the grass seed capital of the world.

But local food security advocates are trying to change that. Through a USDA rural business grant, they convinced six local farmers to try planting some of their grass seed fields with edible chickpeas and wheat to develop a local food supply. The local Ten Rivers Food Web group just sold the first harvest, in 5 lb. sacks (see below).

Not only are dried garbanzos affordable, but the locally grown ones tasted especially flavorful and fresh. They were a bit mud-coated, but that’s nothing a good soak and rinse couldn’t fix.

I recommend the Chickpea Dal recipe I found by Matthew Card on Culinate. Argula and watercress made a fine spicy substitute for the mustard greens. And I used less coconut milk (substituted turkey broth) and tomatoes than the recipe called for.