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Weeknight • Vegetarian

Golden Chickpea and Spinach Rice Bowls

Flavorful, spiced chickpeas and fresh spinach served over fluffy rice, perfect for a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Prep
10 min
Cook
20 min
Servings
4
Level
Weeknight
Golden Chickpea and Spinach Rice Bowls

These Golden Chickpea and Spinach Rice Bowls are a vibrant and wholesome meal that comes together quickly! Packed with protein-rich chickpeas, earthy spinach, and warm spices, it’s a brilliant way to get a flavorful, vegetarian dinner on the table without a fuss. It’s also incredibly easy to customize!

Ingredients

Yield: 4 servings

Main

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger (optional, but recommended)
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
  • 2 (15-oz) cans chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 5 oz fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • Salt and fresh black pepper to taste
  • Cooked rice, for serving

Optional Toppings

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • Lime wedges

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

  2. Step 2

    Add minced garlic and grated ginger (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  3. Step 3

    Stir in turmeric, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until aromatic.

  4. Step 4

    Add rinsed chickpeas, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

  5. Step 5

    Stir in the fresh spinach a handful at a time, allowing it to wilt down before adding more. Cook until all the spinach has wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

  6. Step 6

    Season with salt and pepper to taste. Spoon the chickpea and spinach mixture over cooked rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a dollop of yogurt, and a squeeze of lime, if desired.

Tips

  • For extra richness, add a tablespoon of coconut milk along with the broth.
  • This dish is great for meal prep! Store the chickpea mixture and rice separately and combine when ready to eat.
  • If you don't have fresh ginger, dried ground ginger will work in a pinch (use 1/2 teaspoon).

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