Lenten dish - chickpeas in oriental style

Lenten Chickpea Dish in Oriental Style

If you are looking for a quick and delicious recipe for Lent, you have come to the right place! Today, I will share with you a recipe for a Lenten chickpea dish in Oriental style that not only takes just 20 minutes to prepare but is also packed with essential nutrients. Chickpeas, the star ingredient in this recipe, are an excellent source of fiber, B vitamins, and essential minerals such as iron, potassium, and magnesium. Moreover, chickpeas are gluten-free, making them ideal for a varied diet.

Total preparation time: 20 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 20 cm of leek, sliced
- A handful of grated carrot
- A handful of brown raisins
- A cube of vegetable fat (can be sunflower oil, canola, peanut, coconut butter, or vegetable margarine from health food stores)
- One can of Sun Food chickpeas
- 6-7 fresh spinach leaves, torn
- 200 ml of plant-based cream
- 100 ml of vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons of turmeric
- 1 teaspoon of coriander powder
- 1 teaspoon of pink Himalayan salt

Preparation:

1. Heat the pan: Start by placing the pan over medium heat and add the cube of vegetable fat. Choose a fat you like, as it will influence the flavor of the dish.

2. Sauté the vegetables: Once the fat has melted, add the sliced leek, grated carrot, and raisins. Mix well to combine the ingredients. Cover the pan with a lid and let the vegetables steam on low heat for 2-3 minutes. This step allows the flavors to develop and the vegetables to become tender.

3. Add the vegetable broth: After the vegetables have steamed, pour the vegetable broth into the pan. This ingredient will add extra flavor and help cook the chickpeas.

4. Including the chickpeas: Open the can of Sun Food chickpeas, drain the excess liquid, and rinse them under cold running water. Add the chickpeas to the pan and mix well, ensuring the vegetables are evenly distributed. Let everything simmer over high heat for about 5 minutes. The chickpeas will heat up quickly and absorb the flavors of the vegetables.

5. Add the spinach: While the chickpeas are cooking, wash the spinach leaves under running water to remove any impurities. Tear them into smaller pieces and add them to the pan, stirring gently. The spinach will cook quickly, thus preserving its nutritional properties.

6. Incorporate the cream: Finally, pour the plant-based cream into the pan, mixing well to incorporate it. This will add creaminess to the dish and balance the flavors of the spices.

7. Finalization: Once all the ingredients are well mixed and cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Your Lenten chickpea dish in Oriental style is ready to be served!

Serving: This dish can be enjoyed either as a delicious lunch or as a light family dinner. It can be served alongside a mix of rice boiled in salted water, which will perfectly complement the intense flavors of the chickpeas and vegetables.

Useful tips:
- Weight of the chickpeas: If you prefer fresh chickpeas, you can use dried chickpeas. Make sure to soak them overnight and then boil them until tender.
- Alternative spices: If you like to experiment, try adding other spices, such as cumin or black peppercorns, to give your dish a personal touch.
- Variations: You can add additional vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to diversify the recipe and add more vitamins.

Nutritional benefits: This dish is not only delicious but also healthy! Chickpeas are rich in plant-based proteins, making them an excellent choice for those looking to reduce meat intake. Additionally, their high fiber content aids digestion and keeps you feeling full.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen chickpeas? Yes, you can use frozen chickpeas. Make sure they are completely thawed and drained before use.

2. What other sides go well with this dish? You can serve the chickpea dish with warm pita bread or fresh salads for an extra touch of freshness.

3. Is this recipe suitable for vegans? Absolutely! All the ingredients are plant-based, making it ideal for those following a vegan diet.

In conclusion, this Lenten chickpea dish in Oriental style is not only easy to prepare but also full of flavors and nutrients. Whether you make it for a family meal or to treat yourself, it is an excellent choice that will bring a smile to your face. Enjoy your meal!