Masala Chickpea with Veggies

Introduction

Looking for a flavorful, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish that’ll make your taste buds sing? Look no further than Masala Chickpea with Veggies! This hearty dish is packed with vibrant spices, tender chickpeas, and a variety of fresh vegetables that create the perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your friends at a dinner party, this recipe will not disappoint.

The combination of spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala gives this dish a robust depth of flavor that perfectly complements the chickpeas and veggies. It’s incredibly versatile, too—you can swap out vegetables based on what you have in your fridge or adjust the spices to suit your taste. The best part? It’s simple, quick, and makes for great leftovers!

This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy, with plenty of plant-based protein and fiber from the chickpeas and a colorful array of veggies. Perfect for vegans, vegetarians, and anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their diet. Let’s dive into this tasty, spiced-up dish and discover why it’ll quickly become a staple in your meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are just a few reasons to fall in love with Masala Chickpea with Veggies:

• Full of Flavor: A harmonious blend of aromatic spices makes each bite a treat for your taste buds.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Chickpeas are a great source of protein and fiber, while the veggies add essential vitamins and minerals.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish comes together quickly for a satisfying weeknight meal.
• Customizable: You can swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level to suit your preferences.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers are even better the next day, making it an ideal dish to make ahead for lunches throughout the week.
• Vegan and Gluten-Free: This dish is both vegan and gluten-free, making it a great choice for a variety of diets.
• Versatile: Serve it over rice, with naan, or enjoy it on its own as a satisfying stew.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 12g, Fiber: 8g, Fat: 12g, Carbohydrates: 30g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Masala Chickpea with Veggies:

For the Chickpea and Veggie Base:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1 cup cauliflower florets
• 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen)
• Salt to taste

the Spices:

• 1 tablespoon garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon red chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional, for a warm note)

For the Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Lemon wedges (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making Masala Chickpea with Veggies is simple and fun. Follow these steps for a delicious meal that’s ready in no time!

Prepare the Base

1. Heat the Oil: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and golden brown.
2. Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan, sautéing for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the Tomato: Stir in the chopped tomato and cook for about 5 minutes, letting the tomato break down and soften. You should see some juices released.

Cook the Veggies

4. Add the Veggies: Toss in the carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, cauliflower, and peas. Stir well to combine, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly but still retain some crunch.
5. Add the Chickpeas: Stir in the cooked chickpeas (or canned chickpeas) and cook for another 3-4 minutes until heated through.

Add the Spices

6. Spice It Up: Sprinkle in the garam masala, cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, paprika, and cinnamon (if using). Stir well to coat the vegetables and chickpeas evenly in the spices.
7. Season to Taste: Add salt to taste, and if desired, a splash of water or vegetable broth to create a little sauce. Let everything simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serve and Garnish

8. Garnish: Once the dish is cooked to perfection, remove it from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
9. Serve: Serve your Masala Chickpea with Veggies over a bed of rice, with naan, or on its own for a light, yet filling meal.

How to Serve

There are endless ways to enjoy this flavorful dish:

1. With Rice: Serve it over steamed basmati rice for a comforting, filling meal.
2. With Naan: Scoop up the chickpea and veggie mix with warm naan for a traditional Indian-inspired meal.
3. As a Stew: If you prefer a more soupy version, add extra vegetable broth and serve it as a hearty stew.
4. Meal Prep: Make a double batch and pack it into containers for easy meal prep throughout the week.
5. Add Yogurt: For a creamier version, add a dollop of vegan yogurt or dairy yogurt on top when serving.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you make the most out of this dish:

1. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Sweet potatoes, spinach, or green beans all work wonderfully in this dish.
2. Adjust the Heat: If you like your food spicier, increase the amount of red chili powder or add a diced chili pepper to the dish.
3. Use Fresh Chickpeas: If you have time, cook dried chickpeas instead of using canned ones for a richer flavor and texture.
4. Boost the Flavor: For an extra flavor kick, add a teaspoon of tamarind paste or a splash of apple cider vinegar just before serving.
5. Leftovers: The flavors only improve after a day, so store leftovers in the fridge and enjoy them the next day!

Recipe Variations

There are plenty of ways to make Masala Chickpea with Veggies your own:

• Add More Protein: Throw in some paneer or tofu for a protein boost.
• Coconut Milk: For a creamier sauce, add a can of coconut milk and simmer until the veggies are tender.
• Sweetness: Add a tablespoon of maple syrup or a pinch of brown sugar to balance out the spices with a hint of sweetness.
• Add Greens: Stir in some spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for a burst of green.
• Roasted Veggies: For extra flavor, roast the veggies beforehand to give them a caramelized taste before adding them to the chickpeas.

Freezing and Storage

To keep Masala Chickpea with Veggies fresh:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the dish in a sealed container for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce.

Special Equipment

Here are the basic tools you’ll need to create this flavorful dish:

• Large Pan: To cook the chickpeas and veggies.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the veggies.
• Measuring Spoons: To measure out your spices accurately.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some common questions about Masala Chickpea with Veggies:

• Can I use canned chickpeas instead of dried?
  Yes, canned chickpeas are a great time-saver! Just be sure to rinse them well before adding them to the dish.
• Can I make this dish spicy?
  Absolutely! Increase the amount of red chili powder or add fresh green chilies to the recipe for extra heat.
• Can I add other vegetables?
  Definitely! Feel free to swap in any veggies you like. Sweet potatoes, spinach, and peas are great additions.
• What can I serve this dish with?
  Serve it over rice, with naan, or enjoy it on its own as a stew!

Print

Conclusion

Masala Chickpea with Veggies is the kind of dish that hits all the right notes: comforting, vibrant, and bursting with flavor. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, colorful veggies, and a rich mix of aromatic spices, this meal brings the perfect balance of warmth and heartiness, making it perfect for any day of the week. It’s so easy to throw together, yet it feels like something you’ve spent hours preparing.

The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can use whatever veggies you have on hand—whether it’s spinach, bell peppers, tomatoes, or carrots—and adjust the spices to suit your taste. It’s one of those meals that’s so satisfying, you’ll feel like you’re indulging, but it’s also packed with nutrients to keep you energized and feeling good.

Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep for the week, this dish also works as a great crowd-pleaser at gatherings. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a group, everyone will love the layers of flavor that come from the combination of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. Plus, it’s vegan and gluten-free, making it a great option for almost any dietary preference!

Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media – I love seeing your delicious creations! Enjoy making this flavorful, nutritious dish, and feel free to get creative with the veggies and spices! Happy cooking!