Rice & Peas With Tempeh

Ingredients

2 c brown rice
1/2 c unsweetened coconut
2 1/2 tb oil
4 c water
1/2 cinnamon stick
2 c black-eyed peas
3 bay leaves
1 onion
3 garlic
1/4 c vegetable oil
1/2 chili
8 oz tempeh
1 pn fennel seeds
1 ts salt
1/2 ts black pepper
2 scallions

Instructions

Saute rice & coconut in 2 1/2 tb oil for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add water & cinnamon stick. Cover pot & bring to a boil. Reduce heat & simer for 40 minutes, or till all the water has evaporated. Cook black-eyed peas with bay leaves (1 c dried = 2 c cooked) in salted water for 20 minutes or till tender. Drain & remove bay leaves. Keep warm. Saute onion & garlic in oil til lonions soften. Stir in chili & bell pepper & saute for a couple of minutes. Add the tempeh, fennel, salt & pepper & lower heat. Stir frequently & cook covered til the tempeh is golden brown & a littel crisp. Combine all the ingredients & serve with hot sauce. Alternately, combine everything & toss in a moderate oven for 10 minutes to warm everything through. Top with scallions. "Sundays at Moosewood Restaurant Cookbook"