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Spicy Chickpea Stir-Fry Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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