Description
Turmeric Rice with Chickpeas is a vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-make dish that combines earthy turmeric and protein-packed chickpeas with fluffy long-grain rice. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a nutritious standalone meal, this recipe delivers bold flavors, beautiful color, and satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup long-grain rice, rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups vegetable broth, warm
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- Toasted almonds or cashews
- Lemon or lime wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, being careful not to brown it.
- Toast the Turmeric: Sprinkle turmeric powder into the pan and stir constantly for 30 seconds to release its aroma and deepen the flavor.
- Add Rice and Chickpeas: Add the rinsed long-grain rice into the pan, stirring to coat each grain evenly with the turmeric and aromatics. Then fold in the drained chickpeas gently.
- Cook the Rice: Pour in the warm vegetable broth, season with salt and black pepper, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Fluff and Finish: Turn off the heat and let the rice rest with the lid on for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and add fresh herbs if desired to brighten the dish before serving.
Notes
- Rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch for fluffier grains.
- Use warm vegetable broth to help cook the rice evenly without shocking the grains.
- Avoid lifting the lid frequently during cooking to retain steam and ensure even cooking.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasoning after cooking to taste.
- Fresh turmeric root can be substituted for turmeric powder for a more vibrant flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: turmeric rice, chickpeas, vegan rice recipe, gluten free, quick dinner, healthy meal prep, easy rice dish