Whats for dinner?! the hardest question of the day. These Chickpea Harissa Bowls are the perfect weeknight meals for those hard question days. It’s easy to make. comes together in 30 minutes. This delightful dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also nourishes the body with a wholesome blend of flavors and nutrients. Let’s dive into what makes this bowl a must-try for anyone seeking a delicious and satisfying meal.
At the heart of this bowl lies harissa, a North African chili paste that packs a punch of flavor. Traditionally made from roasted red peppers, garlic, spices like cumin and coriander, and of course, hot chili peppers, harissa brings a complex and fiery heat to any dish it graces. Its versatility allows it to be used as a marinade, a condiment, or as in our case, a key ingredient that elevates the humble chickpea to new heights. I get my Harissa paste from Trader joe’s or whole foods from the brand: Mina. Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a staple legume in many cuisines worldwide. Rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients like folate and manganese, chickpeas provide a hearty base for our bowl. Whether roasted to crispy perfection or simmered in spicy harissa, chickpeas absorb flavors exceptionally well, making them an ideal companion to the bold flavors of this bowl.
To assemble the Chickpea Harissa Bowl, start with a base of fluffy rice, providing a wholesome foundation for the flavors to come. Next, layer on a generous serving of chickpeas coated in harissa, ensuring each bite is infused with that irresistible spicy kick. For freshness and crunch, add a mix of colorful vegetables, a simple greek salad. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also provides a variety of textures that complement the creamy chickpeas and fluffy rice. To tie everything together, add a healthy spoon of tzatziki , and a drizzle of lasanyu marchu.
So, the next time you’re looking to elevate your mealtime routine, consider elevating it with the Chickpea Harissa Bowl. With its bold flavors and nutritious ingredients, it’s not just a dish—it’s an experience you won’t soon forget. It will be part of your rotation.
Stay happy, stay hungry!
| Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20 minutes | Total time: 30minutes | Makes: 4 servings |
Ingredients:
Greek Salad:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 3 persian cucumbers, cubed
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp oregano
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp red crushed pepper
- 1 tbsp dill, chopped
Harissa Chickpeas:
- 2 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- ½ white onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, shredded
- 1 ½ tsp harissa paste
- 1 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp parsley
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ¼ cup greek yogurt
- ½ cup water (warm water)
- 1 tbsp Dill, chopped
- 2 Scallions, chopped
Rice:
- 1 cup rice, washed and soaked
- 2 cups water
- ½ white onion, chopped
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp parsley
- 1 tsp oregano
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 scallion, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp greek seasoning
- 1 tsp lemon pepper
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1/2 -1 cup tzatziki
- 2 tbsp lasanyu marchu, thinned out with water
Directions:
Time needed: 30 minutes
- In a bowl mix together all the ingredients for the greek salad, mix well and set aside until ready to use.
- For the rice: heat a pan, add oil and onions, saute for 1-2 minutes then add the rice and all the seasonings. Add water and bring to a boil, once boiling, close the lid and let it simmer for 10-11 minutes.
Turn off the stove, do not open it for 5 minutes after turning off the stove. Then open the lid, add dill, scallions, and mix gently.
- Chickpeas: Heat a pan, add olive oil, cumin seeds, onions, garlic, let it saute until it’s fragrant 2-3 minutes, then add the harissa paste.
- Add the chili powder, oregano, parsley, salt and pepper. Mix well
- Add the chickpeas, greek yogurt and water. Mix well and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes. Top with dill & scallions.
- Assemble: In a bowl add rice, chickpeas, tzatziki, greek salad, and drizzle of lasanyu marchu!
- Enjoy!!
Notes:
- You can find the Harissa Paste at trader joes or any grocery store. I like the Mina brand which is readily available.
- You can use store bought or home made tzatziki
- You can add other veggies to the chickpeas like peppers, zucchini, carrots etc.
- You can swap the rice with quinoa, brown rice or couscous.
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