Chickpea Pilaf

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this vibrant and aromatic Chickpea Pilaf, a one-pot wonder that blends fluffy basmati rice, protein-packed chickpeas, and a medley of warm spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon. Simmered to perfection in vegetable broth, this hearty pilaf boasts a rich, golden hue thanks to a dash of turmeric and features layers of flavor from sautéed onions and garlic. Quick to prepare in just 45 minutes, it’s an ideal vegan and gluten-free option for busy nights. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve alongside zesty lemon wedges to brighten every bite. Perfect as a wholesome main dish or a flavorful side, this Chickpea Pilaf will become a household favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup basmati rice
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1.5 cups cooked chickpeas (or canned, drained and rinsed)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• 4 pieces lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a medium-sized pot or deep skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, and cinnamon. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the basmati rice to the pot and toss to coat it in the spice mixture, letting it toast slightly for 1-2 minutes.

Step 5

Pour in the vegetable broth and stir well. Add the chickpeas, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.

Step 6

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid and let the pilaf simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.

Step 7

Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 8

Fluff the pilaf with a fork and remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 9

Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for garnish, if desired, and serve warm with lemon wedges on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1222.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1315.1

Total Fat 42.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 6.3g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.1g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3981.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 194.3g	0%
Dietary Fiber 38.3g	0%
Total Sugars 30.7g
Protein 48.0g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 374.7mg	0%
Iron 18.8mg	0%
Potassium 2371.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 28.3%

Protein: 14.2%

Carbs: 57.5%