This Chickpea Spinach Rice is quick, easy, and packed with flavor! It combines soft rice with tender spinach and protein-rich chickpeas for a wholesome meal.
It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good after eating, without needing fancy ingredients. I love serving it with a squeeze of lemon for that extra zing! 🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Basmati Rice: This long-grain rice is fragrant and fluffy, making it perfect for this dish. If you don’t have basmati, you can use jasmine rice or even brown rice, though cooking times may vary slightly with brown rice.
Chickpeas: Canned chickpeas are a great time-saver. If you prefer dried chickpeas, soak and cook them ahead of time. For a different protein, try using lentils or black beans instead.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. You can use frozen spinach—just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the pot.
Onion & Garlic: These aromatics build a flavor base. If you’re short on fresh onion, onion powder (1 tsp) could work in a pinch. Shallots or leeks can add a unique twist as well.
Cumin Seeds: They offer a warm, earthy flavor. If you don’t have whole seeds, ground cumin (1 tsp) is a good alternative. Just add it along with the garlic.
How Do I Properly Cook Basmati Rice?
Cooking basmati rice well is key for fluffy results. Rinsing and soaking are essential steps. Rinsing removes excess starch, which helps prevent clumping.
- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove starch.
- Soak the rice for about 30 minutes to help it cook evenly. This step is handy especially if you’re using basmati.
- After soaking, drain the rice before adding it to your pot with other ingredients to avoid excess moisture.
What’s the Best Way to Sauté Onions and Garlic?
Sautéing onions and garlic correctly enhances their flavors. Start with medium heat to prevent burning.
- Heat olive oil before adding cumin seeds for extra flavor.
- Add the onions first, stirring occasionally until they turn translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and chili flakes. Mix and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, but watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious, colorful meal that’s not just nutritious but also comforting and filling. Enjoy your cooking!
Delicious Chickpea Spinach Rice Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Rice:
- 1 cup basmati rice
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chickpea Spinach Rice dish takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’re looking at around 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and healthy meal to whip up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Rice:
Start by rinsing the basmati rice under cold water. Keep rinsing it until the water runs clear. After rinsing, soak the rice in water for about 30 minutes, then drain it well. This step makes the rice fluffy!
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a medium pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the cumin seeds, and allow them to sizzle for a few seconds to release their flavor. Once they smell fragrant, add the chopped onion. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and red chili flakes, cooking for another minute until you smell the delicious aroma.
3. Cook the Spinach and Chickpeas:
Next, add the drained chickpeas and the chopped spinach to the pot. Cook everything together for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts down beautifully.
4. Combine Everything:
Now it’s time to bring in the star of the show! Stir the soaked rice into the pot, mixing it well with the chickpeas, spinach, and spices. Then, add 2 cups of water and sprinkle in salt to your taste. Bring the whole mixture to a boil.
5. Cook the Rice:
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. You want to check it occasionally to ensure the rice cooks properly and absorbs all the water.
6. Final Touches:
When the rice is tender and the water is absorbed, remove the pot from heat. Let it sit covered for another 5 minutes—this helps it fluff up nicely! After that, use a fork to fluff the rice gently.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, drizzle fresh lemon juice over your delicious Chickpea Spinach Rice. If you like, you can garnish it with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it warm and enjoy your healthy, tasty meal!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of Basmati Rice?
Yes, you can! However, keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook. You’ll need to increase the water to about 2 1/4 cups and simmer for approximately 40-45 minutes instead of 15 minutes. Adjust the cooking time based on your rice type for best results!
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Spinach?
If you don’t have fresh spinach on hand, you can use frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before adding it to the pot. You can also try using kale or Swiss chard for a different twist!
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For best reheating, add a splash of water before microwaving to prevent the rice from drying out. Alternatively, reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly! If you’d like to enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the rice, or toss in additional spices like turmeric or coriander.
