Nutrition Packed Vegan Butter Chickpeas With Brown Rice Recipe
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Let’s talk about comfort food, specifically the kind that wraps you in a cozy, delicious hug with every bite. Butter chicken might be a classic in that department, but if you’re like us, you know it’s not exactly comforting for our feathered friends. This is where Vegan Butter Chickpeas with Brown Rice comes in, a flavorful plant-based Indian Recipe!
This dish is the perfect plant-based twist on the classic, featuring chickpeas swimming in a luscious, mildly spiced tomato sauce. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with plant-based protein. So, grab your apron, because tonight, we’re cooking up something deliciously kind and comforting for everyone, chickens included!
A Twist on a Classic: Vegan Butter Chickpeas
If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, you’re probably familiar with butter chicken, a dish known for its velvety sauce and rich flavors. This vegan version keeps all those beloved qualities but swaps out the chicken for chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) and the butter for full-fat coconut milk. The result? A dish that’s just as satisfying but kinder to our animal friends and the planet!
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Butter Chickpeas Recipe
Not only is this dish vegan, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. Plus, it makes fantastic leftovers, so you can enjoy it for lunch the next day or have a quick dinner ready to go! We’re talking minimal prep and ingredients you probably already have sitting in your pantry. Plus, it’s versatile enough to cater to all your spice-loving (or not-so-spicy) friends. And did we mention it’s gluten-free, too? This one checks all the boxes.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Information
This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s packed with nutrients! Chickpeas provide a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, which helps keep you full and satisfied. The brown rice adds complex carbohydrates and even more fiber, making this dish a balanced meal.
Coconut milk contributes healthy fats that help absorb all the delicious spices, while the tomatoes and spices bring antioxidants to the table. Each serving of this Vegan Butter Chickpeas with Brown Rice packs 14 grams of protein, 50 grams of carbohydrates, and 12 grams of fat. It’s a wholesome meal that fuels your body with goodness. We are loving this vegan chickpea recipe!
Ingredients You’ll Need for Vegan Butter Chickpeas
Before you start, make sure you’ve got all your ingredients lined up. Trust me, it’s so much easier when you’re not scrambling to find that missing spice halfway through cooking. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 cup canned coconut milk (full-fat for that extra creamy goodness)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or vegan butter
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, if you like a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for that lovely garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Vegan Butter Chickpeas
Ready to dive in? Here’s how to create your very own vegan butter chickpeas masterpiece:
- Cook the Brown Rice: First things first, get that brown rice cooking according to the package instructions. Fluffy rice is the perfect base for our rich, creamy chickpeas.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil or vegan butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns translucent. Next, add in the minced garlic and grated ginger, giving it another 1 to 2 minutes until everything is wonderfully fragrant.
- Toast the Spices: Now comes the fun part! Stir in the garam masala, turmeric, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder (if using). Let those spices toast for about a minute. This step is key to unlocking their full, aromatic potential.
- Simmer the Chickpeas: Add the drained chickpeas, tomato sauce, and coconut milk to the pan. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it bubble away for 15 to 20 minutes. This gives the sauce time to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: To serve, spoon the butter chickpeas over your cooked brown rice and garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Voilà! Dinner is served.
Tips for Perfect Vegan Butter Chickpeas
- Boost the Veggies: Want to pack in more nutrients? Throw in some spinach, peas, or bell peppers. They not only add color but also a delightful crunch.
- Substitutions: If you don’t have chickpeas, you can use other beans like cannellini or black beans. For those looking to cut down on carbs, swap brown rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice.
- Enhance the Flavor: For an even richer taste, add a tablespoon of tomato paste when sautéing the onions. For a warm, aromatic touch, sprinkle in a bit of ground coriander while toasting the spices. And for a zingy twist, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the top before serving. The coriander adds depth, while the lemon juice brightens up the dish!
Perfect Pairings
- While this dish is a meal in itself, pairing it with some warm naan bread or a side of steamed broccoli makes it even more satisfying. If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving it with a cool cucumber raita or a tangy pickled vegetable salad.
- For a complete meal experience, consider adding a refreshing beverage like a mango lassi or a cooling mint lemonade. These additions help balance the spices and add a refreshing element to your meal.
Get Involved: Share Your Experience!
Have you tried making Vegan Butter Chickpeas with Brown Rice? We’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you add any special ingredients or put your own spin on it? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And if you’re feeling extra proud of your creation, snap a photo and tag us on social media. Let’s see those culinary masterpieces when it comes to more vegan chickpea recipes!
Final Thoughts on Vegan Butter Chickpeas with Brown Rice
There you have it, folks, Vegan Butter Chickpeas with Brown Rice! A dish that’s sure to become a regular in your weekly meal rotation. It’s comforting, delicious, and just as indulgent as its non-vegan counterpart. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce friends and family to the joys of plant-based eating. Give it a try and let us know what you think. We’re pretty confident you’ll be going back for seconds!
Bon appétit!
More Delicious Meals & Sides!
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- Vegan Tofu Egg Salad (without eggs!)
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- Vegan Indian Curry made with the Instant Pot
- Tofu and Quinoa Power Bowl with Tahini Dressing: Vegan High Protein Meal
- Scrambled Chickpea and Avocado Toast
Vegan Butter Chickpeas with Brown Rice
Ingredients
- 1 15 oz can chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 cup canned coconut milk full-fat for a richer sauce
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 inch piece of ginger grated
- 1 tbsp coconut oil or vegan butter
- 1 tbsp garam masala
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder optional, for heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook 1 cup of brown rice according to package instructions and set aside.
- In a large pan, heat 1 tbsp coconut oil or vegan butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in 1 tbsp garam masala, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp chili powder (if using). Cook for 1 minute to toast the spices.
- Add the drained chickpeas, 1 cup tomato sauce, and 1 cup coconut milk. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the butter chickpeas over the cooked brown rice, garnished with chopped cilantro.
Notes
- Variations: You can add vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers to the dish for extra nutrition and color.
- Enhancing Flavor: For a richer, deeper flavor, add a tablespoon of tomato paste when sautéing the onions. You can also squeeze in some fresh lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with warm naan bread or a side of steamed broccoli for a complete and satisfying meal.
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- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 12g
