Chickpea Rice Pilaf (Easy, Light and Fluffy!)
Ready in just 30 minutes, chickpea rice pilaf is made with simple ingredients and customizable with your favorite veggies and fresh herbs. Enjoy it a delicious vegan side dish or satisfying main course.
Servings: 6
Calories: 264kcal
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup onion diced small
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 red bell pepper diced small
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice* such as Jasmine, rinsed
- 2¼ cups water
- 15 ounces chickpeas (1½ cups) rinsed and drained
- 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
- salt and pepper to taste
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and saute until softened and slightly translucent.1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, ½ cup onion
- Next add the garlic and red bell pepper and saute for a minute more.2 cloves garlic, 1 red bell pepper
- Then add the rice to the vegetable mixture. Stir frequently for a couple of minutes until the rice starts to look translucent.1½ cups long-grain white rice*
- Stir in the water and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and allow the rice to gently simmer until the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.2¼ cups water
- Remove the pot from the heat. Lift up the lid and add the chickpeas on top of the rice. Do not stir.15 ounces chickpeas
- Lay a clean dish towel over the top of the pot. Replace the lid on top of the towel and allow the rice and chickpeas to steam for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Fluff the rice with a fork and fold in the parsley. Taste and add salt and pepper, as needed. Serve with lemon wedges.2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, salt and pepper, lemon wedges
Notes
*For the fluffiest rice, be sure to rinse your rice thoroughly in a fine mesh strainer before cooking. This removes excess starch and keeps the pilaf light and separate.
If you prefer to use long-grain brown rice, add an extra ½ cup water. The rice will take a little longer to cook.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of water to bring back the fluffy texture.
Nutrition
Calories: 264kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Sodium: 206mg | Potassium: 228mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 744IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 1mg
