Prep Time: 10 Minutes    Cook Time: 20 Minutes  

This one pot Easy Mediterranean Chickpeas with Rice dish is budget-friendly, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying!

 

Base - like making a broth :

• 1 cup yellow onions, fine dice
• 2 Tablespoons minced garlic
• 3 Tablespoons tomato paste - toothpaste tube is the best
• ½ cup low-sodium vegetable broth * I used full 1 ½ c home-made
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast  * if you use it
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda *  to reduce acidity if desired
• ~ 1 ¼ cups chickpeas, from can or prepared from dry (cooked)

 

Spices & Herbs - Mediterranean selection :

 " fresh is best, use whatever you have available "

• garlic,
• coriander,
• parsley,
• thyme, 
• oregano...
• salt & pepper as you prefer

Other Ingredients

• Steamed rice

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped parsley (or cilantro)
• Dollop hummus

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spice & Herbs into a small bowl, mix, set aside.
2. In a large skillet, add the diced onions, sauté over medium-high heat for 7 to 9 minutes to soften, then lower the heat to medium, add the minced garlic and tomato paste sauté, stir constantly for one minute.
3. Add all the remaining Base Ingredients (except the chickpeas and baking soda) and the Spice & Herbs Mix, stir to incorporate, and thicken the sauce, bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately lower to a simmer. Simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavor to develop.
4. Next, stir in the baking soda and chickpeas, stir well. Simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Remove from the stove and allow to sit for 3 minutes to allow the flavors to marry, serve over steamed rice with some chopped parsley (or cilantro). Hummus goes well, if you have some handy.