Alright, let’s talk about chickpeas. They’re like the unsung heroes of the pantry, waiting patiently to transform into something spectacular. This collection of easy one-pot dinners is your ticket to flavor town without the fuss—who knew simplicity could taste so good?
Steps
- Begin by draining and thoroughly rinsing the chickpeas, then set them aside for later use. Mince the garlic finely and sauté it in a pan with a tablespoon of oil until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the arrowroot powder with 2 tablespoons of vegetable broth until smooth, ensuring no clumps remain. Prepare to use this mixture to thicken the sauce shortly.
- Add sesame oil, tamari (or soy sauce), maple syrup, ginger, rice vinegar, and the remaining vegetable broth to the pan with the garlic, then whisk to combine all ingredients.
- Re-whisk the arrowroot mixture to remove any settled clumps, then pour it into the pan with the sauce ingredients. Stir the mixture constantly over medium-low heat until it begins to bubble.
- Stir the bubbling sauce and fold in the chickpeas, ensuring they are evenly coated. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and the chickpeas absorb the flavors, darkening in color.
- After about 5 minutes, or when the sauce reaches the desired thickness, remove the pan from the heat. Let the chickpeas sit for another 5 minutes to fully absorb the flavors before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tapioca starch (or arrowroot/corn starch)
- 4 tablespoons vegetable broth, divided
- 3 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey, brown sugar, or coconut sugar)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1284kcal | Carbohydrates: 196g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 38.4g | Sodium: 3200mg | Fiber: 42g | Sugar: 36g
FAQ
- Are chickpeas gluten-free?
- Yes, chickpeas, which are also known as garbanzo beans, are naturally gluten-free. This entire recipe is gluten-free, provided you use tamari (a gluten-free soy sauce) instead of regular soy sauce if you have gluten sensitivities.
- What type of sweetener works best for sesame sauce?
- Maple syrup or honey are great choices for adding sweetness to the sesame sauce, though brown sugar or coconut sugar can also be used. If you prefer a lower sugar option, you can reduce the sweetener to 1-2 tablespoons, but do not omit it entirely as it helps balance the flavors and achieve the sticky texture.
- How can I store and reheat the vegan sesame chickpeas?
- Once prepared, these chickpeas can be stored in the refrigerator for about three days. To reheat, simply add them to a pan with a splash of vegetable broth or oil to restore their saucy texture.
- What can I substitute for tapioca starch in this recipe?
- If you don’t have tapioca starch, you can substitute it with other thickening agents like corn starch or arrowroot powder to achieve the desired sauce thickness.
- What are some serving suggestions for this dish?
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or quinoa and can be complemented with vegetables like broccoli or sautéed spinach. The sesame sauce is versatile and can be used with various proteins like tofu, salmon, or chicken, and even mixed into peanut noodles or a vegetable stir fry.
Tips
- Ensure Proper Thickness: If the sauce doesn’t thicken after 10-15 minutes, consider adding an extra two teaspoons of arrowroot powder to achieve the desired consistency.
- Watch the Sodium Levels: Use low sodium tamari or soy sauce to prevent the dish from being overly salty, especially if you’re sensitive to salt. Regular soy sauce can be quite salty, so adjust accordingly.
- Flexibility with Sweeteners: You can substitute maple syrup with honey, brown sugar, or coconut sugar. For a lower sugar option, reduce the sweetener to 1-2 tablespoons, but avoid removing it entirely, as it helps balance the flavors and adds stickiness to the sauce.
- Versatile Sauce Application: This sesame sauce isn’t just for chickpeas. Try it with other proteins like tofu, salmon, or chicken, or incorporate it into stir fries with various vegetables for a delicious twist.
Equipment
- Garlic Press – Useful for finely mincing garlic efficiently.
- Whisk – Essential for mixing ingredients smoothly, especially the sauce.
- Sauté Pan – A versatile pan for sautéing garlic and cooking chickpeas with the sauce.
