Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a powerhouse ingredient beloved in vegan cooking for their versatility, nutrition, and hearty texture. Whether you’re looking to whip up a quick weekday meal or impress guests with something wholesome and flavorful, this chickpea recipe fits the bill perfectly.
Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, chickpeas are a pantry staple that can transform simple dishes into satisfying culinary delights. Today, I’ll guide you through a delicious and easy vegan chickpea dish that’s rich in flavor, simple to prepare, and sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
This recipe is not only nourishing but also incredibly adaptable, allowing you to customize flavors and ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. So, if you’re ready to dive into a fulfilling meal that’s both kind to the planet and your taste buds, let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chickpea recipe is a celebration of wholesome ingredients and vibrant spices that come together to create a comforting bowl of goodness. Here’s why it stands out:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
- Nutritious: High in protein and fiber, making it filling and energizing.
- Flavorful: A perfect balance of herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients.
- Versatile: Can be served as a main dish, side, or added to salads and wraps.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses pantry staples without needing exotic or expensive ingredients.
If you love dishes that are both healthy and satisfying, this recipe is going to be a winner for you.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 1 large tomato, diced
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (or any plant-based milk)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped for garnish
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Equipment
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Can opener (if using canned chickpeas)
- Bowl for mixing
Instructions
- Prepare the chickpeas: If using canned chickpeas, drain and rinse them thoroughly under cold water. Set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add tomatoes: Toss in the diced tomato and cook until it softens, about 4-5 minutes. This will create a flavorful base for the chickpeas.
- Combine chickpeas: Add the cooked chickpeas to the skillet, mixing well with the spiced tomato mixture.
- Add coconut milk: Pour in the coconut milk and stir to combine. Reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Season and finish: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Stir in the fresh lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped cilantro or parsley on top before serving.
Tips & Variations
“Using fresh herbs and freshly squeezed lemon juice really elevates the flavor of this chickpea dish—don’t skip it!”
- Make it a curry: Add a teaspoon of garam masala and a handful of spinach or kale for a warming chickpea curry.
- Roasted chickpeas: For added texture, roast some chickpeas separately and sprinkle on top as a crunchy garnish.
- Use fresh tomatoes or canned: If fresh tomatoes aren’t in season, canned diced tomatoes work just as well.
- Spice level: Adjust the cayenne pepper or add chili flakes to your preferred heat level.
- Make it a salad: Let the chickpea mixture cool and toss with cucumber, red onion, and a tahini dressing for a refreshing salad.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 280 |
Protein | 12g |
Fat | 10g |
Carbohydrates | 35g |
Fiber | 9g |
Sugar | 5g |
Iron | 3mg (17% DV) |
Calcium | 80mg (8% DV) |
Serving Suggestions
This versatile chickpea dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are a few ideas to try:
- Serve over fluffy basmati rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Pair with warm pita bread or naan for dipping.
- Add a dollop of vegan yogurt or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for extra creaminess and crunch.
- Top with fresh avocado slices to add richness.
- Incorporate into wraps with fresh greens, cucumber, and tahini sauce for a quick lunch.
For more inspiration on wholesome, plant-based meals, check out our Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe and Pesto Recipe Marcella Hazan. If you enjoy experimenting with flavors, the Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe is a fantastic condiment to complement many dishes, including chickpeas.
Conclusion
This vegan chickpea recipe is a fantastic addition to any home cook’s repertoire. It’s simple enough for beginners and flavorful enough to impress seasoned chefs.
The blend of spices, creamy coconut milk, and fresh ingredients creates a comforting dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Perfect for meal prepping or enjoying fresh from the stove, this recipe highlights the versatility of chickpeas and their ability to absorb and enhance flavors.
Whether you’re seeking a quick weekday dinner or a healthy, satisfying lunch, this chickpea dish delivers on all fronts. Plus, it’s completely plant-based, making it suitable for vegans and anyone looking to add more legumes and plant protein to their diet.
Give this recipe a try today and discover how easy and delicious vegan cooking can be!
📖 Recipe Card: Chickpea Curry Vegan
Description: A flavorful and hearty vegan chickpea curry that's easy to prepare. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated ginger
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 2 cans (400g each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (400ml) coconut milk
- 2 tsp curry powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
- Add curry powder, cumin, and turmeric, cooking for another minute.
- Pour in diced tomatoes and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add chickpeas and coconut milk, stir well.
- Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 40 g
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