Are you ready to elevate your meal prep from boring to absolutely mind-blowing? This Roasted Chickpea Veggie Brown Rice Bowl isn't just another healthy recipe—it's a culinary adventure that promises crispy, zesty perfection in every single bite! Imagine golden, crunchy chickpeas mingling with caramelized vegetables, all drizzled with a vibrant cilantro lime dressing that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a meal prep enthusiast, a health-conscious foodie, or simply someone who loves incredible flavors, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Thoroughly pat dried chickpeas with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. This ensures they become crispy when roasted.
- In a mixing bowl, toss chickpeas with olive oil, cumin, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Spread chickpeas in a single layer on one half of the prepared baking sheet.
- Chop bell pepper and zucchini into uniform bite-sized pieces.
- On the other half of the baking sheet, spread the diced bell pepper and zucchini. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through. Chickpeas should be golden and crispy, vegetables slightly caramelized.
- While vegetables roast, prepare brown rice according to package instructions if not already cooked.
- For the cilantro lime dressing, whisk together chopped cilantro, lime juice, honey (if using), and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
- Once everything is cooked, assemble bowls by dividing rice, roasted chickpeas, and vegetables evenly among 4 serving bowls.
- Drizzle each bowl with cilantro lime dressing and garnish with additional fresh cilantro if desired.
- Serve immediately while ingredients are warm and crispy.
Tips
- Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! Always pat your chickpeas completely dry before roasting to ensure they become deliciously crunchy.
- Use a large baking sheet and spread ingredients in a single layer to promote even roasting and prevent steaming.
- For extra flavor, consider adding smoked paprika or chili powder to your chickpea seasoning mix.
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated before roasting to achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
- Prep your dressing ingredients while vegetables are roasting to maximize cooking efficiency.
- For meal prep, store components separately and assemble just before eating to maintain optimal texture.
- Feel free to swap vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
