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Chickpea Buddha Bowl

This chickpea Buddha bowl features crispy roasted chickpeas, tender greens, and fluffy grains, creating a vibrant dish with contrasting textures. It involves roasting, massaging greens, and assembling all components into a balanced, nourishing meal. The final appearance is colorful and inviting, with a mix of crunchy, soft, and fluffy textures.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can can chickpeas rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups grain (quinoa or rice) cooked according to package instructions
  • 4 cups greens (kale or spinach) fresh
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for roasting and greens
  • 1 lemon lemon for juice and zest
  • 2 tablespoons tahini for dressing
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika optional, for chickpeas
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin optional, for chickpeas
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking sheet
  • Sauce blender or whisk
  • Cooking pot
  • Massaging spoon or hands

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Rinse and drain the canned chickpeas thoroughly, then pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  2. In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, paprika, and cumin until evenly coated. Spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  3. Roast the chickpeas in the oven for 20-25 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until they are golden and crispy with a crackling sound when you bite into them.
  4. Meanwhile, cook your grains—quinoa or rice—according to package instructions until fluffy, about 15 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  5. While the grains cook, prepare the greens by placing them in a bowl. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over them, add a pinch of salt, and massage gently with your hands or a spoon until they are tender and slightly wilted, but still vibrant in color.
  6. In a small bowl or blender, combine tahini, juice of the lemon, minced garlic, a splash of water, salt, and pepper. Whisk or blend until the dressing is smooth, creamy, and slightly pourable—adjust water to reach your preferred consistency.
  7. To assemble, start with a base of grains in each bowl. Top with the roasted chickpeas and the massaged greens, arranging them artfully for a colorful presentation.
  8. Drizzle the tahini lemon dressing over the assembled bowls and sprinkle with any additional toppings like seeds or nuts if desired. Give everything a gentle toss or serve as is.
  9. Enjoy your vibrant, textured Chickpea Buddha Bowl immediately, appreciating the contrast of crunchy chickpeas, tender greens, and fluffy grains.