If you're on the hunt for a vibrant and nutritious meal that will transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean, look no further than the Greek Goddess Grain Bowl with Fried Chickpeas! This delightful dish combines the nutty flavor of farro with fresh, crisp vegetables and a zesty dressing that will have you craving more. Perfect for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with protein and healthy fats. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how simple it is to whip up a bowl of goodness that’s as beautiful as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Greek
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked farro
- 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, etc.) for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables: dice cucumber, halve cherry tomatoes, slice red onion, and slice avocado.
- If farro is not pre-cooked, rinse farro in cold water, then cook according to package instructions. Typically, this involves simmering 1 cup farro in 2-3 cups water for about 20-25 minutes until tender but chewy.
- Drain and rinse chickpeas thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess sodium.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a simple dressing.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil. Optional: quickly sauté chickpeas for added texture, about 3-4 minutes until lightly golden.
- In two serving bowls, evenly distribute the cooked farro as the base.
- Layer chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and avocado slices over the farro.
- Drizzle the prepared lemon-olive oil dressing over the grain bowl.
- Garnish with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or dill.
- Serve immediately at room temperature, optionally with a side of Greek yogurt or tzatziki for added creaminess.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables and prepare the dressing in advance. This way, you can quickly assemble your grain bowl when you're ready to eat.
- Cook Farro Perfectly: If you're using uncooked farro, remember to rinse it well before cooking to remove any dust or debris. Cooking it until tender but chewy will add a great texture to your bowl.
- Sauté for Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, consider sautéing the chickpeas in olive oil with a pinch of salt and pepper. This step enhances their texture and brings out their natural nuttiness.
- Customize Your Bowl: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or add other toppings like feta cheese, olives, or roasted red peppers to make this dish your own.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Don’t skip the fresh herbs! They elevate the dish and provide a burst of flavor. Parsley and dill work beautifully, but you can experiment with basil or mint as well.
- Serve with a Side: For added creaminess, serve your grain bowl with a side of Greek yogurt or tzatziki. It pairs perfectly with the fresh ingredients and adds a delightful contrast.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
