Black Bean Chickpea and Rice Recipe Vegan Made Easy

Looking for a wholesome, hearty meal that’s both delicious and entirely plant-based? This black bean chickpea and rice recipe vegan is a perfect choice for anyone wanting a nutritious, comforting dish without any animal products.

It combines the earthiness of black beans, the subtle nuttiness of chickpeas, and the satisfying texture of rice to create a balanced meal that’s packed with protein, fiber, and flavor. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or cooking a quick dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and incredibly versatile.

This dish is not only budget-friendly but also ideal for those following a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle. Its vibrant spices and fresh ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or potlucks.

Plus, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and garnishes, making it a staple recipe you’ll return to time and time again. Ready to dive into a bowl of goodness?

Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Filling: The combination of black beans, chickpeas, and rice offers a hearty texture and a rich, savory flavor profile enhanced with aromatic spices.

Nutritious and Balanced: This recipe packs a powerful punch of plant-based protein, fiber, complex carbohydrates, and essential vitamins and minerals that fuel your body and keep you energized.

Easy and Versatile: Perfect for beginners and meal preppers alike, this recipe can be customized with your favorite spices and veggies to suit your taste and dietary needs.

Budget-Friendly: Using pantry staples like canned beans and rice, this meal won’t break the bank but will still delight your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain brown rice (or white rice if preferred)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or any neutral cooking oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Juice of 1 lime (optional, for brightness)

Equipment

• Medium saucepan or pot with lid
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Colander or sieve (for rinsing beans)

Instructions

1. Cook the rice: Rinse 1 cup of rice under cold water until the water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 40-45 minutes (for brown rice) or 15-20 minutes (for white rice) until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
2. Prepare the beans and chickpeas: While the rice cooks, drain and rinse the canned black beans and chickpeas under running water. Set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
4. Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning the garlic.
5. Combine beans and chickpeas: Add the black beans and chickpeas to the skillet. Stir well to coat them with the spice mixture. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Mix rice and beans: Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and add it directly to the skillet with the beans. Stir everything together, season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
7. Finish with lime and cilantro: Remove the skillet from heat. Squeeze the juice of one lime over the mixture and stir in chopped fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh finish.
8. Serve warm: Scoop the black bean chickpea and rice mixture into bowls and garnish with extra cilantro or your favorite toppings.

Tips & Variations

For extra creaminess, add a dollop of vegan sour cream or mashed avocado on top.

Feel free to swap brown rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice if you want a different texture or lower-carb option.

Add more vegetables like corn, zucchini, or chopped tomatoes to increase the nutrient density and add color.

Adjust the spice level by reducing cayenne or chili powder if you prefer a milder dish, or adding fresh jalapeños for more heat.

This recipe also works well as a filling for tacos, burritos, or stuffed peppers.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This black bean chickpea and rice dish shines when served with fresh, vibrant accompaniments. Try pairing it with a crunchy side salad or steamed greens such as kale or spinach.

For a bit of added zest, drizzle with a homemade avocado lime dressing or top with sliced jalapeños for heat.

It also pairs beautifully with warm tortillas and guacamole for a Mexican-inspired meal. If you’re in the mood for something creamy, a scoop of vegan sour cream or cashew crema makes an excellent topping.

For more vegan inspiration, check out our Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe for a comforting side or the Collard Green Casserole Recipes to add some greens to your plate.

Conclusion

This black bean chickpea and rice recipe vegan is a wonderful example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a flavorful, nutritious meal that satisfies all your taste buds. It’s perfect for anyone looking to eat healthily without sacrificing taste or convenience.

With its rich combination of beans, rice, and spices, this dish is both filling and energizing, making it a great choice for lunch or dinner.

The recipe’s versatility means you can customize it endlessly to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate more plant-based meals into your routine.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love our Chipotle Black Beans And Rice Recipe for an extra smoky flavor or treat yourself to a sweet finish with our Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe!

Happy cooking and bon appétit!

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