Let’s be real: the past weeks have been challenging. Yet, it’s heartening to see how people are finding ways to stay positive during tough times. But it's perfectly fine to admit that some days feel heavy.

After some time spent sulking—because honestly, we all need that sometimes—I regained my enthusiasm for activities that spark joy. I tuned into Taylor’s latest album (the emotional soundtrack we all needed this year), styled my hair for the first time in ages, and transformed my kitchen into a hub of creativity. I spent the weekend cooking and baking wholesome delights. Cooking truly brings me into my element, and it’s a type of therapy I cherish. I whipped up several batches of banana muffins (recipe coming soon!), baked sourdough, prepped a ton of veggies, and created this vibrant bowl that has quickly become my go-to meal.

spiced chickpea grain bowl

You might wonder, another grain bowl? Aren’t we done with that trend? Not at all!

I often find myself in a grain bowl rut, repeating the same combos. That’s why I love exploring what others are mixing together for fresh inspiration. So, here’s my recent creation to spark your next dinner!

Every good grain bowl has a standout ingredient.

In this bowl, it’s all about the chickpeas. I'm calling them ‘tandoori spiced chickpeas’, though they aren’t strictly traditional tandoori. The spice mix resembles tandoori flavors, but “tandoori” refers to a cooking method, not just a spice blend. Tandoori cooking involves preparing foods like chicken or naan in a cylindrical clay oven over charcoal, creating a unique char that enhances flavor (my dad swears by tandoori naan for its rich taste compared to oven-baked versions).

While my spice blend draws from tandoori inspiration, my cooking method is quite different. Regardless, these chickpeas are irresistibly tasty; I found myself enjoying them straight from the pan! Quarantine rules, right?

Feel free to swap in your favorite ingredients. I used what I had available, but the beauty of grain bowls is their adaptability. Especially now, when grocery trips are less frequent, making use of what you have is key.

For the base, I opted for farro, but rice or quinoa would work just as nicely! I topped it with steamed kale and a handful of fresh herbs like green onions and basil. If I had cilantro and mint, I would have thrown those in too. I added pan-fried halloumi for a savory kick, but crumbled feta or goat cheese would also shine. Pickled veggies and a fried egg would also be fantastic additions. Customize to your heart's content or let everyone build their own bowls.

spiced chickpea grain bowl

To finish, a creamy dressing ties everything together. I’ve experimented with various sauces each time I make this, so use what you have! Here are a few I’ve enjoyed:

Miso Lemon Tahini Dressing
Yogurt and Herb Dressing
Garlic Dill Dressing

Get creative, have fun, and treat yourself to something delicious this week. Remember, we’re all in this together. Scroll down for the recipe...

spiced chickpea grain bowl
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Ingredients

for the spice blend:

  • 3/4 teaspoon ginger powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kashmiri red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garam masala
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

to assemble:

  • 1 can of chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and dried
  • 2 tablespoons of melted ghee
  • 1 1/2 cups cooked grain of choice (farro, rice, quinoa, etc.)
  • 2 cups of greens of choice
  • 6 ounces of toasted halloumi
  • veggies to top – cucumber, avocado, carrots, pickled veggies, etc.
  • handful of fresh herbs like basil, mint, green onions, etc.
  • dressing of choice

Instructions

  1. Combine the spices to create the spice blend and set aside.
  2. Drain, rinse, and dry one can of chickpeas thoroughly.
  3. In a stovetop pan, heat the ghee over medium heat. Add the spice blend and toast for about a minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the chickpeas, tossing them in the spices. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes until they are golden and toasty. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Assemble your bowl with the grain, greens, chickpeas, toppings, and dressing. Enjoy!

Comments (1)

  1. Michelle Nash says: July 29, 2020 at 4:49 pm

    YUM! Love a good bowl moment. Thanks for this tasty recipe. I want to make these spiced chickpeas repeatedly.

    Reply