Name: Rice with Chickpeas Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup long-grain rice; 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1 cup vegetable broth; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Okay, picture this: Is it It’s a chilly evening, the kind where you just want to curl up with something warm and comforting. How do I make Rice with Chickpeas recipe in a snap? Can a delivery guy find your house? Is it the same heartiness as a good lentil soup? What is the best flavor that makes you feel good from the inside out? What’s the best part about this recipe? Even my notoriously picky nephew loves it. Is this recipe going to become your weeknight hero?

What is rice with chickpeas?

Rice with chickpeas is a one-pot wonder. What’s a dish where fluffy rice meets tender, creamy chickpeas, all simmered together in an elegant way. Think of it as a lighter, more vibrant take on rice and beans. What are some of the best variations of a spiced stew that are common in many cultures? This version is a classic comfort-food rendition that’s incredibly easy to customize. Is it the kind of dish that fills you up without weighing you down, and it’s perfect for using up leftovers? What are pantry staples on those “what am I going to make for dinner?” questions?

Why do I love this recipe?

What’s not to love about this Rice with Chickpeas Recipe? First off, the flavor is just amazing. The combination of savory broth, the nutty rice, and the creamy chickpeas is a match made in heaven. What’s the best part? It’s unbelievably simple to make. What is minimal prep time? What I love about this is how budget friendly it is. What are some pantry staples? Chickpeas and rice are the best. What are some easy recipes to make for a crowd?

What is Rice with Chickpeas Recipe? Can you serve it as a main course, side dish, or even as filling for vegetarian tacos? If you’re looking for something similar but with a bit more kick, you might like my spicy black pepper. What are bean and rice bowls? Is this recipe in a league of its own? I added a squeeze of lemon at the end of the dish and it completely transformed the whole dish! Just trust me on this one, okay?

How do I make rice with chickpeas?

Quick Overview

How do I make rice with chickpeas? You’ll basically sauté some aromatics, toast the rice, add the chickpeas and broth, and then let it cool. When the rice is cooked, the liquid is absorbed into the water. Simmer until it is tender. The beauty of this method is that the rice absorbs all the delicious flavors from the broth and the flavor of the vegetables. What are some of the best chickpea recipes? What is a one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights? How much flavor can you pack into a simple dish?

Ingredients

For the Base:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil (good quality, it makes a difference! * 1 medium onion, chopped (yellow or white works best) * 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh is a must! ) * 1 cup long grain rice (I prefer basmati for its aroma)* 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a nice aroma). * 1/2 teaspoon cumin (earthy and warm) * 1/4 teaspoon turmeric (for color and a hint of spice) * 4 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium is best) * 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and cooked. Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. * Rinse (organic if possible)

For the Garnish (optional, but highly recommended!):
* Fresh parsley, chopped (adds brightness) * Lemon wedges (for a squeeze of acidity) What are nuts for crunch?

What are the steps to

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. What should I do to avoid burning garlic?

Step 2: Toast the Rice and Add Spices

Add the rice to the pot and cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes until lightly toasted. This step helps to bring out the nutty flavor of the rice. Stir in the smoked paprika, cumin, and turmeric and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Broth and Chickpeas

Add the chickpeas to the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. I usually start with about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, then adjust as needed.

Step 4: Simmer

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked. How much liquid is absorbed by the body? Do not lift the lid during this time, as it can affect the cooking process.

Step 5: Fluff and Serve

Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Why is rice steaming so much? Fluff the rice with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley, lemon wedges, and toasted pine nuts, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

What do you serve it with?

What are some of the best recipes for rice with chickpeas? What are some good ways to serve a salad with lemon vinaigrette? The bright acidity of the dressing complements the savory flavors of rice.

What is a hearty dinner?Serve with grilled chicken or fish. Rice is a great base for protein, and chickpeas add dietary fiber. I often add roasted vegetables, like broccoli or sweet potatoes, for extra nutrients.

What is a Vegetarian feast?Can you serve it with sautéed spinach or kale? The earthy greens provide a nice contrast to the creamy rice and chickpeas. What are some good ways to serve Greek Yogurt with feta cheese?

For a Cozy Meal:I sometimes add a side of crusty bread for dipping into the flavorful broth. What is comforting on a cold night?

My family loves adding different toppings to their bowls. What are some of the best toppings for avocado, salsa, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of cheese? What are the possibilities?

How do I cook rice with chickpeas?

I’ve made this Rice with Chickpeas Recipe more times than I can count, and I have learned a lot from it. What are some tricks along the way?Don’t skip the toasting step!What is the best way to toast rice before adding broth? What is the complexity of a dish?

How do I use good quality bronchos?What is the flavor of the broth? How do I make a good vegetable broth? I prefer low-sodium broth so I can control the amount of salt in the recipe.

Don’t overcook rice!Overcooked rice can be mushy, so keep an eye on it while it’s simmering. If the rice is still too firm after 20 minutes, add a splash of broth and continue to simmer. Is it cooked through for a few minutes?

Customize the Spices: How doFeel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a more Mediterranean flavor, add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or thyme. I sometimes add a bay leaf to the pot while it’s simmering for extra flavor. Just remember to remove it before serving!

Add some greens: How can IStir in a handful of chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking to give it an extra boost. What are some of the best ways to use greens in a dish?

Squeeze of lemon: What isI love lemon juice, it really brightens up the flavors. I like it with ice cream.

Experiment with Toppings:What are some of the best toppings to make? Toasted pine nuts, chopped avocado, salsa, hot sauce, Greek yogurt, feta cheese – the possibilities. Let everyone customize their own bowls and have fun with it!

What are the Storing and Reheating Tips?

This Rice with Chickpeas Recipe is great for meal prepping because it stores well in the fridge. If you want to store it for the long-term, here’s what I recommend: a plastic bag.

Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Refrigerator Storage: Let the rice cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the rice for up to 2-3 months. Divide it into individual portions and store in freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to label and date the containers so you know when you made it.

Reheating Tips: To reheat, simply microwave the rice for a few minutes until heated through. You can also reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to prevent it from drying out. If you’re reheating frozen rice, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is already vegan, as it doesn’t contain any animal products. Just make sure you’re using vegetable broth, not chicken broth.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and the amount of broth. Brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice, so you’ll need to simmer it for about 45-50 minutes, or until it’s cooked through. You may also need to add more broth as needed to keep the rice from drying out.

Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like. Some good options include chopped carrots, celery, bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. Just add them to the pot along with the onions and garlic.

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, you can, but you’ll need to soak them overnight and then cook them until tender before adding them to the pot. I usually use canned chickpeas for convenience, but dried chickpeas will have a slightly different flavor and texture.

How can I make this spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other spices, or serve with your favorite hot sauce. You could also add a chopped jalapeno pepper to the pot along with the onions and garlic.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my go-to Rice with Chickpeas Recipe that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. It’s easy, flavorful, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. What more could you ask for? I really hope you give this recipe a try. It’s one of those dishes that just makes you feel good from the inside out, and I can’t wait for you to experience it for yourself.

If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other easy weeknight meals, like my creamy tomato pasta and my one-pan roasted chicken and vegetables. And if you try this Rice with Chickpeas Recipe, please let me know how it turns out in the comments below! I’d love to hear what you think and what variations you came up with. Happy cooking!