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I typically lean to an Asian, Mexican, or Mediterranean flavor profile when cooking so today I thought I’d make a dish with an Italian flavor profile. Chickpeas with Tomatoes, Peppers & Spinach are seasoned up with garlic, basil, oregano and fennel. I used cauliflower rice to keep it lower carb but orzo, rice or your favorite grain (quinoa, farro, etc.) would be a delicious bed for this tasty chickpea dish.
I used plain hummus to create a sauce to keep it vegan/dairy free. It’s not a real saucy dish, but just a bit on the creamy side. I was a little worried about that thinking I should go with more Mediterranean flavors but it works just fine here. I topped it off with some pine nuts. If you like cheese, some parmesan would be delicious!
Chickpeas with Tomatoes, Peppers & Spinach
Chickpeas combine with sautéed little grape tomatoes, colorful mini peppers and spinach in a creamy, dairy free sauce.
Ingredients
1 container grape tomatoes (about 2 cups)
1/2 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 C. mini peppers, diced (I used 4)
1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes’
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. fennel seeds
1 tsp. basil
1/2 tsp. oregano
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeeze excess water out
3/4 C. plain hummus
3/4 C. water
For serving:
Cooked rice, cauliflower rice or your favorite grain
garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of pine nuts
Instructions
In large skillet, over medium heat add olive oil, onion, mini peppers, tomatoes (cut in half or if small you can leave them whole if you’d like), red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Cook for a few minutes, stirring. Add fennel, basil and oregano. Lower heat, cover and cook about 5 more minutes, until tomatoes soften.
Add chickpeas, spinach, hummus and water. Stir to combine and continue to cook over low 2-3 more minutes until everything is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
Add rice or your favorite grain to bowls. Top with chickpea mixture.