Chickpea Vegetable Rice Pilaf (Printable Recipe)

Wholesome pilaf with chickpeas veggies and lemony rice. A vibrant and comforting side for any meal.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 2 cloves garlic, crushed
02 - 0.5 small red onion, finely chopped
03 - 1 cup long grain rice (180 grams)
04 - 2.25 cups chicken or vegetable stock (540 milliliters)
05 - Zest and juice of 1 lemon
06 - 0.5 red bell pepper, finely chopped
07 - 1 small zucchini, finely chopped
08 - 1 cup canned chickpeas, drained (240 milliliters)
09 - Salt and black pepper to taste
10 - Cooking oil spray such as avocado oil
11 - Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Spray a deep frying pan with oil and heat over medium. Add crushed garlic and chopped red onion. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until lightly golden and aromatic.
02 - Stir in rice, red pepper, zucchini, chickpeas, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Lightly spray with oil and cook for 1 minute while stirring to coat and warm ingredients.
03 - Pour in the stock and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover pan tightly, and simmer until all the liquid is absorbed, about 15 minutes.
04 - Turn off the heat and leave pan covered for 10 to 12 minutes. Let the steam inside finish cooking the rice.
05 - Fluff the rice with a fork, season with salt and black pepper, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro before serving.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Brown rice can be used but will require longer cook time and more stock.
02 - Customize with herbs like parsley or dill or change vegetables based on availability.