Weeknight • Vegetarian
Speedy Saucy Chickpea Bowls
These flavorful bowls feature protein-packed chickpeas simmered in a rich tomato sauce, perfect over rice or quinoa for a quick meal.
- Prep
- 10 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Level
- Weeknight

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When hunger strikes and you need something satisfying, healthy, and fast, these Speedy Saucy Chickpea Bowls are your culinary salvation. Bursting with flavor from a rich, savory tomato sauce and tender chickpeas, they come together in a flash. Serve them over your favorite grain for a complete and delicious meal!
Ingredients
Yield: 4 servings
Main
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tsp dried cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Preparation
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.
Step 2
Stir in minced garlic, dried cumin, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3
Add diced tomatoes (with their juices), rinsed chickpeas, and vegetable broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 4
Stir in baby spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 5
Serve the saucy chickpeas hot over cooked rice or quinoa. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Tips
- Add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream when serving for extra creaminess and a cooling contrast.
- For a sweeter note, a pinch of brown sugar can be added to the sauce.
- This recipe is fantastic for meal prep; simply store the chickpea mixture separately from the cooked grain and combine when ready to eat.
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