Crispy Chickpeas and Rice

Crispy Chickpeas and Rice are a party in a bowl! Let's clean out the crisper and make this tasty vegetarian main dish!

Course Main Dish, Salad

Cuisine Vegetarian

Keyword Crispy Chickpeas and Rice

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Servings servings

Calories 518kcal

Author Jenn Laughlin - Peas and Crayons

Ingredients

15 oz chickpeas (1 can) drained and rinsed
1 TBSP olive oil
¼ tsp sea salt
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin
⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (spicy) or sweet paprika
2 cups cooked white rice or yellow rice
2 cups chopped/shredded romaine lettuce
2 roma tomatoes (diced) or 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1 bell pepper (diced) or 4 sliced sweet mini peppers
¼ cup pickled red onions or fresh sliced red onion

SAUCE OPTIONS - choose your favorite!

hot sauce
taco sauce
creamy salsa sauce
creamy curry sauce

CREAMY CURRY SAUCE

3 TBSP quality mayo (or try it with Greek yogurt!)
½ tsp curry powder plus extra to taste
½ tsp white vinegar
⅛ tsp garlic powder
⅛ tsp onion powder
⅛ tsp mustard powder (or a dash of yellow mustard)
salt and pepper to taste

CREAMY SALSA

¼ cup sour cream
2 TBSP red salsa
½ tsp ground cumin
⅛ tsp salt or season to taste
juice of ½ lime

TASTY TOPPING OPTIONS

sour cream
guacamole
pico de gallo or salsa

Instructions

Cook rice per package instructions. You can use leftover rice, microwave from frozen (I love frozen rice as a shortcut) or cook it up fresh on the stove, in a rice cooker, or in the Instant Pot. So many options here!
Preheat oven to 400℉.
Drain and rinse 1 can of chickpeas. Pat dry, then drizzle with 1 TBSP olive oil and season with ¼ tsp sea salt.
Roast on a rimmed baking sheet at 400℉ (on the center rack) for 20-25 minutes until crunchy and golden.
Once chickpeas are removed from the oven, season with with ½ tsp of each: garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin. Add ⅛ tsp cayenne or paprika, to taste. Mix well to coat. You're welcome to add any extras you'd like, tasting as you go.
Ready to eat? Fill your bowl with rice and salad greens, then top with fresh from the oven chickpeas and chopped vegetables.

Notes

Recipe yields 2 meal-sized bowls. Nutrition Facts below are estimated per bowl using an online recipe nutrition calculator. Adjust as needed based on choice of sauce and extras. Enjoy!

Nutrition