Spicy Chick Peas and Rice

Transform your weeknight dinners with this bold and flavorful Spicy Chickpeas and Rice recipe! This comforting vegan dish combines perfectly spiced chickpeas simmered in a rich tomato base with fluffy basmati rice for a satisfying and protein-packed meal. Featuring aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, along with a touch of paprika and red chili flakes for heat, this dish offers a delightful balance of warmth and zest. Ready in just 40 minutes with simple pantry staples, it’s an excellent option for busy nights. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon for a burst of freshness, and enjoy this wholesome, plant-based recipe that’s hearty, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying. Perfect for meal prep, quick lunches, or a vibrant dinner centerpiece!

Nutriscore Rating: 75/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 400 grams canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 4 cups cooked basmati rice
• 400 grams diced tomatoes, canned or fresh
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoons ground turmeric
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons red chili flakes (adjust based on spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 1 cup vegetable stock or water
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, or until translucent.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and red chili flakes. Stir well for about 30 seconds to toast the spices.

Step 5

Mix in the chickpeas, ensuring they are coated with the spice mixture.

Step 6

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 7

Pour in the vegetable stock or water. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture should thicken slightly.

Step 8

While the chickpeas are cooking, ensure your rice is pre-cooked and warm. If not, prepare basmati rice according to package instructions.

Step 9

Taste the chickpea mixture and adjust seasoning if necessary (e.g., more salt or chili flakes).

Step 10

To serve, spoon a generous portion of rice onto each plate and top with the spicy chickpea mixture.

Step 11

Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1795.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1655.0

Total Fat 40.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 5.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 4474.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 282.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 34.7g	0%
Total Sugars 35.2g
Protein 48.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 356.6mg	0%
Iron 21.6mg	0%
Potassium 2523.1mg	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: 21.5%

Protein: 11.5%

Carbs: 67.0%