Inspired by: @veganfoodcrazy
Craving a wholesome, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful plant-based meal that comes together in a flash? Look no further than this delightful Vegan Chickpea Rice Bowl! This recipe masterfully combines the creamy texture of chickpea rice with the satisfying crunch of air-fried Brussels sprouts and the savory, smoky notes of vegan bacon. It’s a perfect solution for busy weeknights, healthy lunches, or any time you need a delicious, nutrient-packed meal without the fuss.
The abillion community can't get enough of this dish! Users have praised its deliciousness, exclaiming, "This looks so good!! 😯 🤤" and "Oh my 💚💚😋🌱" – a true testament to its irresistible appeal. Get ready to add this amazing vegan bowl to your regular rotation!
Why You'll Love This Vegan Bowl
- Quick & Easy: Designed for busy lifestyles, this recipe prioritizes minimal prep and cooking time, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Flavor Explosion: A perfect balance of savory, smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors in every bite, ensuring a delightful culinary experience.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. It's naturally dairy-free and can be easily made gluten-free by ensuring your vegan bacon and chickpea rice are certified GF.
- Crispy & Satisfying: The combination of crispy air-fried Brussels sprouts and savory vegan bacon delivers an incredible texture experience that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chickpea rice
- 3 tbsp vegan butter
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 4 Campari tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- 8 slices vegan bacon, chopped
- 2 cups fresh Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Small pan
- Medium non-stick pan
- Large mixing bowl
Instructions
- Prepare Crispy Brussels Sprouts: In a bowl, toss the halved Brussels sprouts with 1 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp kosher salt. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket every few minutes, until they are beautifully crispy and tender.
- Cook Chickpea Rice: While the Brussels sprouts cook, prepare the chickpea rice according to the package instructions. Set aside.
- Crisp the Vegan Bacon: Melt 1 tbsp vegan butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the chopped vegan bacon and cook until it's wonderfully crispy and golden brown.
- Craft the Tangy Tomato Sauce: In another pan, heat the remaining 2 tbsp vegan butter over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots and cook for 1-2 minutes until softened. Stir in the chopped Campari tomatoes, lemon juice, and dried oregano. Use a spoon or fork to gently press down on the tomatoes to release their delicious juices.
- Simmer the Sauce: Add about 1/2 cup of water to the tomato mixture to form a light sauce. You may need a little more or less water depending on how juicy your tomatoes are. Simmer gently for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Assemble Your Bowl: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chickpea rice, crispy vegan bacon, and air-fried Brussels sprouts.
- Serve & Garnish: Generously top the bowl with the warm tomato sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, a dash of fresh black pepper, and a scattering of sesame seeds for extra crunch and visual appeal. Enjoy immediately!
Tips & Hacks for the Perfect Bowl
- Air Fryer Mastery: For truly crispy Brussels sprouts, ensure they are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. Cook them in batches if necessary. Shaking the basket frequently promotes even browning and crispiness.
- Picking the Best Bacon: The quality of your vegan bacon can make a big difference! If you're looking for recommendations or want to explore different brands, check out abillion's insights in our abillion Test Kitchen: Vegan Bacon article.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Cook the chickpea rice and air fry the Brussels sprouts in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers. When ready to eat, simply crisp the bacon, make the sauce, and assemble!
- Tomato Choices: While Campari tomatoes are recommended for their sweetness and juiciness, you can also use cherry tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes for a similar vibrant sauce.
Variations & Adaptations
- Grain Swap: Not a fan of chickpea rice? This bowl is equally delicious with brown rice, quinoa, or even couscous.
- Protein Boost: Add some extra plant-based protein by crumbling in pan-fried firm tofu or tempeh alongside the bacon.
- Veggie Power-Up: Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like spinach (wilt into the sauce), mushrooms (sauté with shallots), or bell peppers for even more color and nutrients.
- Spice It Up: For a kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the tomato sauce.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a tablespoon of vegan cream cheese or a splash of plant milk into the tomato sauce for a richer, creamier consistency.
Related Articles
Looking for more easy, delicious, and healthy plant-based meals? Explore these other fantastic recipes from abillion:
- Discover a hearty and flavorful classic with this Easy Crispy Vegan Lentils and Rice.
- Whip up a satisfying lunch with our Easy Homemade Vegan Falafel Bowl with Charred Eggplant & Tahini.
- For a comforting and healthy meal, try the Easy One-Pot Vegan Moroccan Chickpea & Vegetable Tagine.
- If you love quick stir-fries, don't miss the Quick & Easy High-Protein Vegan Tofu Noodle Stir-Fry Recipe.
- Start your day right with the Ultimate Vegan Breakfast: Flavor-Packed Tofu Chickpea Scramble Recipe.
Join the Plant-Based Movement!
Ready to try this amazing bowl? Whip up this recipe tonight and share your delicious creations on abillion! We love seeing your culinary adventures. Tag us and let us know your favorite tweaks in the comments below!
