Basmati rice & orzo

Just like the Palestinians (see Chicken with caramelized onion & cardamom rice), rice is the basic grain for most Sephardic communities, excluding North Africans. Though the cooking methods and accompanying ingredients vary greatly, with Iranians developing the most complex method and best texture, rice is an essential element in every Friday night dinner. Mixing chickpeas with rice (or bulgar) is common practice among Sephardim (see