Looking to add a touch of Lebanese flair to your dinner table? This Lebanese Vegetable and Chickpea Pilaf recipe offers a delicious and nutritious option that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling warm and cozy. Packed with a medley of aromatic spices, hearty veggies, and protein-rich chickpeas, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your regular meal rotation.
Lebanese Vegetable and Chickpea Pilaf
Ingredients:
– 1 cup basmati rice
– 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– 1 small eggplant, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 yellow bell pepper, diced
– 1 zucchini, diced
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Stir in the diced eggplant and cook until softened, about 5-6 minutes.
3. Add the bell peppers and zucchini to the skillet, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are slightly tender, about 4-5 minutes.
4. Sprinkle the ground cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper over the vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine, allowing the spices to coat the vegetables evenly.
5. Add the basmati rice and chickpeas to the skillet, stirring to mix everything together.
6. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
7. Once the pilaf is cooked, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains.
8. Serve the Lebanese Vegetable and Chickpea Pilaf hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness and color.
This Lebanese Vegetable and Chickpea Pilaf is a versatile dish that can stand alone as a satisfying vegetarian main course or serve as a flavorful side to complement grilled meats or seafood. The blend of spices infuses each bite with warm, earthy flavors, while the combination of tender vegetables and creamy chickpeas adds texture and heartiness to every spoonful. Plus, the vibrant colors of the bell peppers and zucchini make this dish a feast for the eyes as well.
Whether you’re looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet or simply wanting to try something new and exotic, this Lebanese-inspired pilaf is a delightful choice that promises to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to your dining table. Enjoy the comforting aromas and flavors of this wholesome dish as you savor each mouthful, transporting yourself to the sunny landscapes of Lebanon with every bite.
