Spinach and Chickpea Rice Pilaf

Ah, Spinach and Chickpea Rice Pilaf, a dish that’s both hearty and comforting. This delicious meal is packed with the goodness of spinach, chickpeas, and rice lovingly cooked together to create a superior savoury experience. Perfect for a family meal, dinner parties or just a meal prep for the busy week, this dish takes classic ingredients to new heights. You’ll not only love it for its savory flavors but also for its simplicity. So let’s move straight on into creating this slice of culinary heaven.

Don’t you hate it when a recipe has you spending half a day in the kitchen? Well, no worries here. For a full course meal, the construction of this dish is surprisingly quick and easy. Honestly, Spinach and Chickpea Rice Pilaf is one of those dishes that screams, “Homemade love in a dish”. It’s gonna be glorious, trust me on that.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 5 servings
• Yield: 5 plates

Ready to boom-chucka-lucka your tastebuds? Alright, let’s get dirty with the ingredients and gear.

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 2 Cups of rice
• 1 Cup cooked chickpeas
• 3 Cups of fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 Onion, chopped
• 2 Garlic cloves, minced
• 3 Cups of chicken broth
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of Olive oil

Equipment: Large wok, Spatula, Measuring Cups, and a Good knife.

Rice and chickpeas form the heart of this dish with the heartiness they bring. The spinach, the green hero here, lends not just the vibrant color, but also a whole lot of nutrients. Also, cooking in chicken broth instead of water really takes the flavor up several notches. However, if you’re vegetarian or vegan, you could swap chicken broth out for vegetable broth.

How To Make Spinach and Chickpea Rice Pilaf

1. Start by heating the olive oil in your wok or skillet over medium heat.

2. Add the onions and garlic; cook until onions are translucent.

3. Next, add the rice, stirring it in to make sure every grain gets coated with that lovely onion-garlic oil.

4. Add the spinach and cooked chickpeas, then pour the broth. Stir well.

5. Season with salt and pepper, then cover and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed all the broth.

Tips For The Best Results

• Rinse the rice before adding to remove excess starch.
• Use fresh spinach for a better taste and texture.
• Stir occasionally while simmering to keep the bottom from burning.

Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can canned chickpeas be used instead?

A: Yes, you can. Just rinse them before using.

Q: Is this dish vegan friendly?

A: Yes, it can be. Substitute the chicken broth for veggie broth.

Q: Can I use other types of rice?

A: Sure. Each rice type may have different cooking times, though.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?

A: Yes, it freezes well for upto to 2 months.

Q: Do you recommend any specific side dish to go with this?

A: It’s great with grilled chicken, fish, or a cucumber tomato salad.

Nutritional Facts of Spinach and Chickpea Rice Pilaf

• Calories: 590 cal
• Protein: 15 g
• Fat: 10 g
• Carbohydrates: 100 g

Concluding this, Spinach and Chickpea Rice Pilaf is a dish that strikes a perfect balance between nutrition and taste. It’s a culinary win that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Pair it with a tangy side salad or your favorite protein for a wholesome meal. Dig in, folks!