Roasted Chickpeas and Veggie Bowl

Ingredients

1 (15-ounce) can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans): Rinsed, drained, and patted very dry to ensure maximum crispiness.

1 large head of broccoli: Chopped into bite-sized florets. Broccoli becomes wonderfully tender with slightly charred edges when roasted.

1 red bell pepper: Cored, seeded, and chopped into 1-inch pieces. It adds a beautiful sweetness and vibrant color.

1 large red onion: Cut into 1-inch wedges. Roasting tames its sharpness, bringing out a mellow sweetness.

1/4 cup olive oil: A good quality extra-virgin olive oil for coating the vegetables and chickpeas, which helps them roast perfectly.

1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This provides a deep, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the chickpeas.

1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory, aromatic base note to the spice blend.

1/2 teaspoon cumin: Lends a warm, earthy flavor that complements the other spices.

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: For a touch of Mediterranean herbaceousness.

1 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Essential for bringing out all the flavors of the vegetables and spices.

1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste): Freshly ground pepper is recommended for the best flavor.

1 cup uncooked quinoa: Rinsed thoroughly under cold water to remove its natural bitter coating (saponin).

2 cups water or vegetable broth: Using vegetable broth instead of water will infuse the quinoa with extra flavor.

1/2 cup tahini: A smooth, high-quality tahini (sesame seed paste) is the key to a creamy, non-bitter dressing.

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice: Approximately the juice of one large lemon; it adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the tahini.

2-3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey: For a touch of sweetness to balance the nutty and tangy flavors. Use maple syrup to keep the dish fully vegan.

1-2 cloves garlic: Minced finely or grated for a pungent, savory kick.

1/2 teaspoon salt: To enhance all the dressing flavors.

4-6 tablespoons lukewarm water: To thin the dressing to your desired consistency.

Directions

Follow these step-by-step instructions for a flawless Roasted Chickpea and Veggie Bowl every time. The key is in the roasting technique and the layering of flavors.

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Using parchment paper not only prevents sticking but also makes cleanup significantly easier. If you are roasting a large volume of vegetables, it’s best to use two separate baking sheets to avoid overcrowding.

The secret to crispy chickpeas is making sure they are as dry as possible. After rinsing and draining them, spread them out on a clean kitchen towel or a layer of paper towels. Gently pat them dry, removing as much surface moisture as you can. Some of the skins may flake off; you can discard these.

Kitchen remodeling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped broccoli florets, red bell pepper pieces, and red onion wedges. Add the thoroughly dried chickpeas to the bowl. Drizzle everything generously with the olive oil. In a small separate bowl, whisk together the smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this spice mixture over the vegetables and chickpeas. Use your hands or a large spoon to toss everything together until each piece is evenly coated in oil and spices.

Spread the seasoned chickpeas and vegetables in a single, even layer on the prepared baking sheet(s). It is crucial not to overcrowd the pan. If the vegetables are too close together, they will steam instead of roast, preventing them from getting that desirable caramelization and browning. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, tossing them halfway through the cooking time. The vegetables should be tender and lightly charred at the edges, and the chickpeas should be golden and crispy.

While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the quinoa. First, rinse the uncooked quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve under cold running water for at least 30 seconds. This step is essential to remove saponin, a natural compound that can give quinoa a bitter or soapy taste. In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa with 2 cups of water or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed. Remove the pot from the heat and let it stand, covered, for another 5 minutes. Finally, fluff the cooked quinoa with a fork.

While the quinoa cooks and the vegetables roast, prepare the dressing. In a medium bowl or a jar with a lid, combine the tahini, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup (or honey), minced garlic, and salt. Whisk or shake vigorously to combine. The mixture will likely thicken up and seize at first; this is completely normal. Gradually add the lukewarm water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously until the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency similar to that of heavy cream. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary—add more lemon for brightness, more sweetener for balance, or more salt to enhance the flavors.

Once all the components are ready, it’s time to assemble your beautiful bowls. Start by dividing the fluffed quinoa evenly among four bowls. Top the quinoa with a generous portion of the roasted vegetables and crispy chickpeas. Drizzle everything liberally with the creamy tahini dressing. For extra flair and flavor, you can add garnishes like fresh chopped parsley, cilantro, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a few crumbles of feta cheese if you’re not keeping it dairy-free. Serve immediately while warm.