Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and fill your kitchen with the irresistible aromas of the Middle East? Look no further than this Chickpea Rice Easy Meal! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a hearty and nutritious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, fragrant spices, and fluffy rice, this recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Dive into this delightful recipe and discover how simple ingredients can come together to create a mouthwatering meal that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup chickpeas, cooked
- 1 cup rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of cooked chickpeas, 1 cup of rice, 2 cups of vegetable broth, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of cumin, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the minced garlic to the saucepan and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Stir in the cumin, salt, and pepper, allowing the spices to toast for about 30 seconds to enhance their flavors.
- Add the cooked chickpeas to the saucepan, mixing them well with the onion and garlic mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the chickpeas to heat through.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, add the rice to the saucepan, stirring to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let it simmer for 15 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the broth.
- After 15 minutes, remove the saucepan from heat but keep it covered for an additional 5 minutes to allow the rice to steam.
- Fluff the rice gently with a fork, mixing in the chickpeas and ensuring an even distribution of flavors.
- Serve the chickpea rice warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your easy Middle Eastern meal!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can cook the chickpeas in advance or use canned chickpeas for a quicker option. Just rinse and drain them before adding to the recipe.
- Customize Your Spices: Feel free to experiment with additional spices such as paprika, coriander, or turmeric to add your own twist to the dish.
- Add Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by incorporating your favorite vegetables, such as bell peppers, spinach, or carrots. Simply sauté them along with the onion for added flavor and color.
- Perfect Rice: To ensure perfectly cooked rice, avoid lifting the lid while it simmers. This helps maintain the steam needed for the rice to cook thoroughly.
- Garnish for Flavor: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving can elevate the dish, adding freshness and a pop of color.
- Leftover Magic: This dish makes for fantastic leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy them for lunch the next day.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 331kcal
Carbohydrates: 51g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
