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To make a tasty crispy chickpea Buddha bowl, you will need: - 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth (or water) - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cucumber, diced - 1 cup shredded carrots - 1 avocado, sliced - 1/4 cup tahini - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Water (to thin tahini) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a dish that is not only vibrant but also packed with flavor and nutrients. The chickpeas add protein, while the quinoa offers fiber and healthy carbs. You can customize your bowl with extra ingredients. Some great choices are: - Sliced radishes for crunch - Roasted sweet potatoes for sweetness - Spinach or kale for greens - Feta cheese for creaminess - Seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for crunch These add-ins can boost both taste and nutrition, making your meal even more satisfying. This bowl is a powerhouse of nutrients. Each serving has about: - Calories: 450 - Protein: 15g - Carbohydrates: 60g - Fiber: 12g - Fat: 18g The crispy chickpeas and fresh veggies provide a balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. This makes it a great meal for lunch or dinner. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take a can of chickpeas, drain them, and rinse well. In a bowl, mix the chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Make sure every chickpea gets coated. This spice blend gives them a nice kick! Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure they cook evenly. They should be golden brown and crispy when done. While the chickpeas bake, it’s time to cook the quinoa. In a saucepan, bring two cups of vegetable broth or water to a boil. Once boiling, add one cup of rinsed quinoa. Lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa is done when it has absorbed all the liquid. Fluff it up with a fork and set it aside. Now for the tahini dressing! In a small bowl, mix together the tahini, lemon juice, and a bit of water. You want it to be a pourable consistency. Add a pinch of salt to taste. This dressing ties all the flavors together and adds a creamy finish to the bowl. Grab a large bowl or individual serving bowls to start assembling. Begin with a base of quinoa. Next, add the crispy chickpeas you just made. Then, layer on halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, shredded carrots, and sliced avocado. Lastly, drizzle the tahini dressing over the top. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a nice pop of color. Enjoy your colorful and healthy Crispy Chickpea Buddha Bowl! If you want to see the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section for all details! To make your chickpeas perfectly crispy, start by drying them well. After draining, pat them with a clean towel. This helps remove excess moisture. Next, coat them evenly with olive oil and spices. Don’t skip the spices; they add great flavor. Spread them out on the baking sheet in a single layer. If they touch, they won’t crisp up as well. Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 25 to 30 minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them. You want a nice golden brown color. The tahini dressing is easy to customize. You can add garlic powder for a kick or a pinch of cayenne for heat. If you prefer a sweeter taste, mix in a little maple syrup or honey. For a tangy twist, add more lemon juice or even some apple cider vinegar. You can also swap tahini for almond butter for a different flavor. Thin it out with more water until it reaches the right consistency. Remember to taste as you go! When serving your Buddha bowl, arrange your ingredients for a colorful display. Start with a base of fluffy quinoa. Then, add your crispy chickpeas and fresh veggies. Cherry tomatoes and cucumbers add crunch and color. Shredded carrots bring sweetness and texture. Sliced avocado adds creaminess and healthy fats. Drizzle your tahini dressing on top for a flavorful finish. You can also add nuts or seeds for extra crunch. Try serving with lemon wedges on the side for added zest. Enjoy your meal! For the full recipe, check out my earlier notes. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in your Buddha bowl. Tofu works great. Just cube and roast it like the chickpeas. Tempeh is another tasty choice. It has a firm texture and lots of flavor. For a meat option, grilled chicken or shrimp adds a nice touch. These proteins keep the meal filling and help you enjoy each bite. Quinoa is a popular base, but you have choices! Brown rice provides a hearty texture. Farro offers a nutty flavor if you want something unique. Barley is also a great option for fiber and taste. Choose what fits your mood or what you have at home. Make your Buddha bowl fresh with seasonal veggies. In spring, add peas and asparagus for a bright crunch. Summer calls for corn and bell peppers for sweetness. In fall, roasted butternut squash and kale bring warmth. Winter veggies like Brussels sprouts or root veggies add heartiness. You can mix and match based on what’s fresh and local. These variations ensure that your Crispy Chickpea Buddha Bowl stays exciting and full of flavor. For all the details, check out the Full Recipe. To store leftovers, place the crispy chickpeas and veggies in separate airtight containers. This keeps them fresh. Refrigerate everything right away. Use the leftovers within three days for the best taste. To reheat, warm the chickpeas in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This helps them regain their crunch. You can also microwave the quinoa and veggies for about one minute. Stir and check to make sure they're heated through. You can freeze the chickpeas and quinoa for later use. Let them cool first, then place in freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out the air before sealing. Use them within three months for the best flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Enjoy your meal again! Yes, you can make parts of this recipe ahead of time. Cook the quinoa and chickpeas, and store them in the fridge. You can assemble the bowl just before serving. This makes it easy to enjoy a healthy meal without much hassle. If you don’t have tahini, you can use almond butter or sunflower seed butter. These will give a nice creamy texture. You can also blend up some plain yogurt with a little lemon juice for a tangy twist. To make this Buddha bowl gluten-free, stick to quinoa as your grain. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free. Ensure that any broth you use is also gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy a safe meal that fits your diet. A simple lemon vinaigrette works great with a Buddha bowl. You can mix olive oil, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. You could also try a creamy avocado dressing if you want something richer. Experiment with flavors to find your favorite! This Buddha bowl is a tasty mix of crispy chickpeas, quinoa, and fresh veggies. You learned how to prepare each part step-by-step, from cooking the chickpeas to making the tahini dressing. I shared tips for getting the perfect crunch and different ways to enjoy it. Try swapping out proteins and grains to fit your tastes. Storing and reheating leftovers is easy, too. Enjoy making your own Buddha bowl, and have fun experimenting with flavors!

Crispy Chickpea Buddha Bowl

Discover the deliciousness of a Crispy Chickpea Buddha Bowl! This vibrant, nutritious recipe features creamy avocado, fresh veggies, and protein-packed quinoa, all topped with flavorful crispy chickpeas and a tangy tahini dressing. Perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner, it's easy to make and visually stunning. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your meal game with this tasty bowl of goodness!

Ingredients
  

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

2 cups vegetable broth (or water)

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cucumber, diced

1 cup shredded carrots

1 avocado, sliced

1/4 cup tahini

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Water (to thin tahini)

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    Prepare Chickpeas: In a bowl, toss the drained chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until well-coated.

      Bake Chickpeas: Spread the chickpeas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

        Cook Quinoa: While the chickpeas are baking, bring vegetable broth (or water) to a boil in a saucepan. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until quinoa has absorbed all the liquid. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

          Prepare Tahini Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, and a bit of water to thin to your desired consistency. Season with salt to taste.

            Assemble the Bowl: In a large bowl or individual serving bowls, start with a base of quinoa. Top with crispy chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, shredded carrots, and avocado slices.

              Drizzle and Garnish: Drizzle the tahini dressing over the assembled bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley for an extra flavor boost.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Arrange the colorful ingredients neatly in the bowl for a vibrant and attractive dish. Layering the ingredients visually will enhance the appeal, and you can serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zing!