Crispy Chickpea & Cilantro Lime Bowls
Ingredients
- 2 cans (15 oz each)chickpeas (drained and patted dry)
- 3 tablespoonsolive oil
- ¾ teaspoonsmoked paprika
- 3 clovesgarlic
- 2lime
- ½ cupfresh cilantro
- 1jalapeño
- 1½ cupscherry tomatoes
- ½red onion
- 1avocado
- 2 cupscooked white rice or quinoa
- ½ cupcotija cheese or feta (optional)
- 1 to tastesalt and black pepper
Prep
- 01
Drain and pat dry 2 cans of chickpeas with paper towels.
- 02
Mince 3 garlic cloves.
- 03
Halve 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes and thinly slice 1/2 red onion.
- 04
Slice 1 jalapeño into thin rings (remove seeds if you prefer less heat).
- 05
Roughly chop 1/2 cup fresh cilantro.
- 06
Slice 1 avocado in half, remove the pit, and slice into wedges.
Method
- 01
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the drained chickpeas in a single layer and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the bottoms turn golden and crispy.
- 02
Stir the chickpeas, then sprinkle with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until the chickpeas are blistered and fragrant. Transfer to a bowl.
- 03
While the chickpeas cook, prepare the zesty sauce: mince the 3 garlic cloves, zest both limes and juice them into a small bowl. Whisk together the lime juice, zest, 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt.
- 04
Stir most of the chopped cilantro into the lime dressing, reserving some for garnish.
- 05
Divide cooked rice or quinoa among bowls. Top each with crispy chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, thin slices of red onion, avocado slices, and a sprinkle of cotija or feta if using.
- 06
Drizzle the cilantro-lime dressing over each bowl and garnish with remaining fresh cilantro and thinly sliced jalapeño. Serve immediately.
Spice Tips
For extra heat, add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the lime dressing. To deepen the flavor, toast the chickpeas with a touch of cumin or chili powder. A squeeze of hot sauce (like Sriracha or Valentine) drizzled over the bowls adds sharp kick without overwhelming the fresh citrus brightness.