Looking for a quick and easy vegan meal? Look no further than this delicious spiced chickpea and rice dish. With only a few ingredients and one pot, you can have a delicious and nutritious dinner on the table in no time!
Gather the ingredients you need to make this one-pot dish. You will need 1 can of chickpeas, 1 cup uncooked brown basmati rice, 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon ground turmeric and ¼ teaspoon sea salt.
Add the basmati rice to a large pot over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes or until lightly toasted. Now add the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the rice is tender and cooked through - about 20 minutes. Finally, stir in the spinach and cook just until wilted - about 1-2 minutes.
In another small pot, add the olive oil and heat over medium heat until shimmering. Add the diced onion, garlic, ginger and spices (cumin, garam masala, turmeric and smoked paprika). Cook, stirring frequently until the spices are fragrant - about 3-4 minutes. Now add the chickpeas and cook for 2-3 minutes or until lightly toasted. Finally, stir in a cup of vegetable broth and simmer on low heat until most of the liquid has evaporated - about 10 minutes.
Now, add the cooked rice to the pot and stir well. Make sure that all of the spices are evenly distributed and there is sufficient broth to keep everything moist. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Cook for about 15 minutes or until all of the liquid has been fully absorbed by the rice. Fluff up with a fork and serve hot, topped with freshly chopped cilantro if desired. Enjoy!
Toppings can help make this dish even more flavorful and enjoyable. Add in your favorite chopped nuts, shredded cheese, dried fruit, or fresh parsley for extra flavor and texture. For a heartier meal, try adding diced chicken or pork. You can also top with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream for added creaminess. Adding your favorite toppings to this vegan spiced chickpea and rice is sure to take it over the top!