This Berbere Spiced Chickpea Bowl is a colorful and hearty dish that combines crispy, flavorful chickpeas with a mix of fresh veggies and a creamy tahini dressing. Bursting with spice and texture, it's the perfect meal to satisfy your hunger and nourish your body.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe offers a balance of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors, thanks to the Ethiopian Berbere spice mix, which coats the chickpeas, creating a delightful crispy texture. The combination of quinoa or rice, fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and the creamy tahini dressing makes this bowl not only visually appealing but also incredibly satisfying. It’s versatile, healthy, and a great option for a quick and nutritious meal, whether you’re meal prepping or enjoying a fresh lunch.
Ingredients
For the Chickpeas:
- 1 (14 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Berbere spice mix
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa or rice
- 2 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or kale)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup pickled onions (optional)
For the Tahini Dressing:
- ¼ cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2-3 tablespoons water (to thin)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
-
Prepare the Chickpeas:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the chickpeas with olive oil, Berbere spice mix, and salt until evenly coated. Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20-25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until they are crispy and golden. -
Make the Tahini Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, salt, and water. Adjust the water to reach your desired consistency. -
Assemble the Bowl:
Divide the cooked quinoa or rice between serving bowls. Top each bowl with mixed greens, roasted chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and pickled onions if desired. Drizzle with the tahini dressing and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 2 servings
Variations
- Add more protein: For an extra boost, top the bowl with a hard-boiled egg, tempeh, or grilled chicken.
- Different greens: Swap out the mixed greens for other leafy greens like kale, collard greens, or even romaine lettuce.
- Use different grains: If you prefer, substitute quinoa with couscous, bulgur, or farro for a different base.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chickpeas and grains separately in the oven or on the stove to retain their texture. Drizzle the tahini dressing on top just before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the chickpeas, quinoa, and tahini dressing in advance. Just store everything separately and assemble the bowl when ready to serve.
2. Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! The recipe is fully plant-based, with no animal products used.
3. Can I use store-bought tahini dressing?
Yes, you can use store-bought tahini dressing, though making it fresh gives the bowl a more vibrant flavor.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, especially if you use quinoa or rice as the base.
5. How can I adjust the spice level of the Berbere chickpeas?
If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of Berbere spice or even substitute it with a more mild spice blend.
6. Can I use canned quinoa or rice for this recipe?
Yes, canned quinoa or rice works well for a quicker preparation. Just make sure to heat it before assembling your bowl.
7. Can I add other vegetables to this bowl?
Of course! Feel free to add roasted sweet potatoes, cucumbers, or bell peppers for additional flavor and texture.
8. How do I make the chickpeas even crispier?
For even crispier chickpeas, try drying them thoroughly with a towel before tossing them with oil and spices, and ensure they are spread out evenly on the baking sheet.
9. Can I use a different spice mix instead of Berbere?
Yes, if you don’t have Berbere, you can use any other spice mix you enjoy, such as smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder.
10. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The mild and slightly sweet tahini dressing, along with the crispy chickpeas, is likely to appeal to children. You can reduce the spice in the chickpeas if needed.
Conclusion
The Berbere Spiced Chickpea Bowl is a delightful and nourishing dish that brings a touch of Ethiopian-inspired flavor into your meal rotation. With its balance of textures, vibrant spices, and wholesome ingredients, it’s an easy yet satisfying option that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. The crispy chickpeas and creamy tahini dressing bring the flavors together in a way that’s sure to please everyone. Try it out and enjoy a healthy, filling meal!
Berbere Spiced Chickpea Bowl
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Berbere Spiced Chickpea Bowl is a healthy, flavorful, and visually vibrant meal. With crispy chickpeas coated in aromatic Ethiopian Berbere spice mix, creamy tahini dressing, and a variety of fresh veggies, it’s the perfect balanced dish for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Chickpeas:
- 1 (14 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Berbere spice mix
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked quinoa or rice
- 2 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or kale)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup pickled onions (optional)
For the Tahini Dressing:
- ¼ cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2-3 tablespoons water (to thin)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chickpeas: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss chickpeas with olive oil, Berbere spice mix, and salt until evenly coated. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20-25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until crispy and golden.
-
Make the Tahini Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, maple syrup, salt, and water to achieve your desired consistency.
-
Assemble the Bowl: Divide quinoa or rice into bowls. Top with mixed greens, roasted chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and optional pickled onions. Drizzle with tahini dressing and serve immediately.
Notes
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare chickpeas, quinoa, and tahini dressing in advance for a quicker meal.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Berbere spice for a milder or more intense flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Ethiopian-Inspired
