Vegan Spinach Brown Rice with Chickpeas is a wholesome and nutritious dish that combines the earthy flavors of brown rice, the protein-rich goodness of chickpeas, and the vibrant green goodness of spinach. This plant-based recipe is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. It’s perfect for those looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet or anyone seeking a hearty and satisfying vegan dish.
Recipe: Vegan Spinach Brown Rice with Chickpeas
Ingredients:
- 1 cup brown rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Brown Rice:
- Rinse the brown rice thoroughly under cold running water.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed rice and 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add the Spices and Chickpeas:
- Add the ground cumin, ground coriander, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet with the sautéed onion and garlic. Stir to coat the spices evenly.
- Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the chickpeas to absorb the flavors of the spices.
4. Combine Spinach and Rice:
- Add the chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until it wilts and combines with the chickpea mixture.
- Fold in the cooked brown rice and lemon juice. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
5. Serve:
- Transfer the Vegan Spinach Brown Rice with Chickpeas to serving plates.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
- Calories: 274
- Total Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 309mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 54g
- Dietary Fiber: 8g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 9g
