I Need a Recipe

Weeknight • Vegetarian

Crispy Chickpea & Halloumi Bowls

These wholesome bowls feature perfectly pan-fried halloumi and seasoned chickpeas over a bed of fluffy couscous.

Prep
15 min
Cook
20 min
Servings
2
Level
Weeknight
Crispy Chickpea & Halloumi Bowls

Looking for a vegetarian meal that's packed with flavor and texture? These Crispy Chickpea & Halloumi Bowls are a game-changer! Salty, squeaky halloumi meets tender, spiced chickpeas for a satisfying weeknight wonder that's sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients

Yield: 2 servings

Main

  • 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 (8 oz) block halloumi cheese, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
  • 1 cup dry couscous
  • 1 cup hot vegetable broth or water
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Dressing (optional)

  • 2 tbsp tahini
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp water
  • Pinch of garlic powder
  • Salt to taste

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Prepare the couscous: In a medium bowl, combine dry couscous with hot vegetable broth or water. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.

  2. Step 2

    Meanwhile, pat the drained chickpeas very dry with a paper towel. In a medium skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat.

  3. Step 3

    Add chickpeas to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly crisped. Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne (if using), cooking for another minute.

  4. Step 4

    Remove chickpeas from the skillet and set aside. Add the sliced halloumi to the hot skillet (no need for more oil if pan is seasoned). Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and slightly softened.

  5. Step 5

    While halloumi cooks, if making the dressing, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, water, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.

  6. Step 6

    Assemble the bowls: Divide couscous into two bowls. Top with crispy chickpeas and golden halloumi. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges and a drizzle of tahini dressing, if desired.

Tips

  • Ensure chickpeas are very dry before cooking for maximum crispiness.
  • Serve with your favorite greens or a simple tomato and cucumber salad for added freshness.

More recipes you'll love

Creamy Tomato Chickpea Curry
Weeknight•35 min
Creamy Tomato Chickpea Curry

A rich and fragrant vegetarian curry packed with chickpeas and tomatoes in a luscious, spiced coconut sauce.

Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas
Easy•20 min
Black Bean and Corn Quesadillas

Flavorful black beans and sweet corn are layered with melty cheese in crispy tortillas for a quick, satisfying meal.