Spicy Chickpea Stir-Fry Recipe

Introduction

This Spicy Chickpea Stir-Fry is a quick, vibrant dish packed with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight meal, it combines tender chickpeas with fresh vegetables and warming spices.

Ingredients

• 1 can canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 inch fresh ginger (grated)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 zucchini (sliced)
• 2 cups spinach (fresh)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (squeezed)
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 1 minute.
2. Step 2: Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan; cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and golden.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle ground cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, and cayenne pepper over the mixture; stir continuously for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
4. Step 4: Stir in the drained chickpeas and season with salt; cook for 5 minutes, tossing occasionally until the chickpeas are lightly golden.
5. Step 5: Add diced bell pepper and zucchini; sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
6. Step 6: Stir in fresh spinach and lemon juice; cook for 1–2 minutes until the spinach wilts. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra protein, add cooked tofu or tempeh cubes towards the end of cooking.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your preference.
• Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green texture.
• Serve over rice, quinoa, or with warm flatbread for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Adding a splash of water before reheating can help maintain moisture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, but be sure to soak and cook the dried chickpeas fully before using them in this recipe. Canned chickpeas are a convenient shortcut.

Is this recipe vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients are plant-based and gluten-free, making this dish suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets.

Spicy Chickpea Stir-Fry Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 123 reviews

A vibrant and flavorful Spicy Chickpea Stir-Fry, packed with protein-rich chickpeas and fresh vegetables sautéed with aromatic spices. This quick and healthy dish is perfect for a nutritious and satisfying meal any day of the week.

• Author: Natalie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Indian-inspired
• Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

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Chickpeas and Vegetables

• 1 can canned chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 zucchini (sliced)
• 2 cups spinach (fresh)
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)

Spices and Seasonings

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 inch fresh ginger (grated)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (squeezed)
• Salt to taste

Cooking Oils

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

1. Prepare the skillet: Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, about 1 minute, ensuring the pan is hot enough for sautéing.
2. Sauté aromatics: Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the pan; cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and golden, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
3. Add spices: Sprinkle ground cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, and cayenne over the aromatics; stir continuously for 30 seconds to toast the spices and release their flavors.
4. Cook chickpeas: Stir in drained chickpeas and season with salt; cook for 5 minutes, tossing occasionally until chickpeas are lightly golden and well-coated with the spices.
5. Sauté vegetables: Add diced bell pepper and sliced zucchini; sauté for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp but still vibrant in color.
6. Wilt spinach and finish: Stir in fresh spinach and lemon juice; cook for 1–2 minutes until spinach wilts completely, then garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

• Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.
• For extra protein, serve this dish with quinoa or brown rice.
• To keep it vegan, avoid adding any dairy-based sides or garnishes.
• Use fresh spices for the best flavor impact.
• If preferred, you can substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard.

Keywords: spicy chickpea stir-fry, vegan chickpea recipe, easy vegetarian dinner, quick stir-fry, healthy chickpea dish