Inspired by the longevity-boosting principles of Blue Zone diets, this Rice Bowl with Spiced Chickpeas is a nourishing and delicious way to incorporate plant-based foods into your meal plan. Packed with essential nutrients from leafy greens, whole grains, and sweet potatoes, this dish is a perfect blend of flavor and health.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A holistic approach to nutrition – packed with whole foods that promote a healthier life.
- Simple and quick – a great meal prep option for busy days.
- Delicious and satisfying – a flavorful combination of Blue Zone-approved ingredients.
- Highly customizable – easily adaptable to your preferences.
Other Chickpea Recipes🫶
- High Protein One-Pot Chickpeas & Beans Recipe
- 30 Minute Miso Chickpea Stew Recipe
- Chickpea Butterbeans Pearl Couscous Soup
- Vegan Cheesy Chana Masala
- Lebanese Chickpea Stew with Za'atar
- Quick Vegan Chickpea Patties
Ingredients
Blue Zone Kitchen Rice Bowl:
- Carolina Gold Rice – a fragrant, nutrient-rich whole grain, or substitute with brown rice for added fiber.
- Kale, chopped – a powerhouse leafy green loaded with vitamins and minerals.
- Sweet potato, diced – adds natural sweetness and essential nutrients like beta-carotene.
- Red beans, cooked – protein-packed and fiber-rich for a hearty meal.
- Tomatoes, diced – brings a burst of freshness and antioxidants.
Spiced Chickpeas:
- Chickpeas, drained and rinsed – a great source of plant-based protein and fiber.
- Onion, diced – adds depth of flavor and natural sweetness.
- Garlic, minced – enhances the dish with aromatic richness.
- Olive oil – a heart-healthy fat that boosts flavor and texture.
- Chili powder – brings a touch of warmth and spice.
- Black pepper – adds subtle heat and enhances overall flavor.
- Salt – balances the flavors and brings out natural sweetness.
- Lemon juice – a bright, tangy finish that ties the dish together.
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large bowl or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Crisp up the chickpeas: Add chickpeas, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chickpeas are slightly crispy.
- Add Blue Zone Rice Bowl: add the bowl to your sautéed chickpeas.
- Assemble the bowl: Layer the rice, kale, sweet potatoes, red beans, and tomatoes in a large bowl. Top with the spiced chickpeas and drizzle with lemon juice. We dressed this one with vegan yogurt and balsamic.
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap Carolina Gold Rice for brown rice or quinoa for a fiber boost.
- Use Swiss chard instead of kale for a different leafy green option.
- Add green peas or black beans for extra protein.
- Roast the sweet potatoes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for added depth of flavor.
FAQ
Q: Where can I buy Blue Zone-approved ingredients?
A: Many of these ingredients can be found at health food stores or online retailers under Blue Zone recipes or plant-based diets.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This makes a perfect quick lunch or meal prep option for the week.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! As long as you use gluten-free grains, this meal is completely gluten-free.
Top Tip
For extra crispiness, roast the chickpeas on a baking sheet at 400°F for 15-20 minutes before adding them to the bowl.
Hint
A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors and enhances the overall dish.
This Blue Zone Kitchen Rice Bowl with Spiced Chickpeas is an easy and delicious way to embrace a healthier lifethrough whole foods and a plant-based diet. Try it today and experience the Blue Zone way of life!
Where to Buy Blue Zone Ingredients?
Looking for product details, nutritional information, or item images? Check out your favorite online retailers for day delivery options or find them at specialty health stores inspired by Loma Linda and Costa Rica, two of the famous Blue Zones.
Blue Zone Kitchen Rice Bowl with Spiced Chickpeas
Ingredients
- 1 cup Carolina Gold Rice – a fragrant nutrient-rich whole grain, or substitute with brown rice for added fiber.
- 1 cup Kale chopped – a powerhouse leafy green loaded with vitamins and minerals.
- 1 medium Sweet potato diced – adds natural sweetness and essential nutrients like beta-carotene.
- ½ cup Red beans cooked – protein-packed and fiber-rich for a hearty meal.
- ½ cup Tomatoes diced – brings a burst of freshness and antioxidants.
- Spiced Chickpeas:
- 1 cup Chickpeas drained and rinsed – a great source of plant-based protein and fiber.
- 1 small Onion diced – adds depth of flavor and natural sweetness.
- 2 cloves Garlic minced – enhances the dish with aromatic richness.
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil – a heart-healthy fat that boosts flavor and texture.
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder – brings a touch of warmth and spice.
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper – adds subtle heat and enhances overall flavor.
- ½ teaspoon Salt – balances the flavors and brings out natural sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice – a bright tangy finish that ties the dish together.
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large bowl or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant.
- Crisp up the chickpeas: Add chickpeas, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chickpeas are slightly crispy.
- Add Blue Zone Rice Bowl: add the bowl to your sautéed chickpeas.
- Assemble the bowl: Layer the rice, kale, sweet potatoes, red beans, and tomatoes in a large bowl. Top with the spiced chickpeas and drizzle with lemon juice.
