Grain-Free Roasted Veggie Chickpea Bowls with Sesame Tahini

Introduction:

Looking for a wholesome, nutritious, and satisfying meal that’s completely grain-free yet bursting with flavor? This Grain-Free Roasted Veggie Chickpea Bowl with Sesame Tahini recipe is perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner. It features oven-roasted vegetables, crispy chickpeas, and a creamy sesame ginger tahini dressing that pulls everything together with its nutty, tangy, and mildly spicy notes. Topped with shredded carrots and toasted sesame seeds, this bowl packs texture, nutrients, and plenty of plant-based protein, making it ideal for both vegetarians and vegans. It’s a meal that’s as delicious as it is nourishing!

This recipe emphasizes simple, whole ingredients and is gluten-free, dairy-free, and rich in fiber and healthy fats, offering a perfect option for anyone seeking a balanced yet grain-free meal. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make dish that’s bursting with flavor and brimming with health benefits.


Ingredients:

For the Roasted Veggie Bowl:

  • 1 cup canned or cooked chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 medium zucchini, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 medium sweet potato, cubed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sesame Ginger Tahini Dressing:

  • ¼ cup tahini
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for vegan option)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1-2 tbsp water (to thin, if necessary)

For the Toppings:

  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro (optional)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Start by prepping your veggies. Chop the zucchini, red bell pepper, and sweet potato into bite-sized pieces. Cut the broccoli into small florets. Ensure your chickpeas are well-drained and patted dry with a paper towel to help them crisp up during roasting.

Step 2: Season and Roast the Veggies and Chickpeas
On a large baking sheet, spread the vegetables and chickpeas in an even layer. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together so the spices and oil coat the veggies and chickpeas evenly. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the veggies are tender and the chickpeas are crispy.

Step 3: Prepare the Sesame Ginger Tahini Dressing
While the veggies are roasting, make the dressing. In a small mixing bowl, combine the tahini, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, honey or maple syrup, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Toast the Sesame Seeds
In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be sure to stir them frequently to avoid burning. Set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Once the veggies and chickpeas are roasted, it’s time to assemble the bowls. Divide the roasted veggies and chickpeas between two bowls. Drizzle generously with the sesame ginger tahini dressing. Top each bowl with shredded carrots, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro if using.


COOKING Note:

  • Chickpeas: Ensure your chickpeas are as dry as possible before roasting to achieve maximum crispiness.
  • Vegetables: Feel free to swap in or add other vegetables like cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or even mushrooms, depending on your preference or what’s in season.
  • Dressing: The sesame ginger tahini dressing can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just shake or whisk before using again, as it may thicken in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions:

These bowls are perfect as a stand-alone meal, but you can also serve them with a side of leafy greens or a light cucumber salad for extra freshness. If you’re not strictly grain-free, you can serve the roasted veggie bowls over quinoa or brown rice for a more substantial meal. They’re also perfect for meal prepping; simply store the components separately and assemble when ready to eat.


Tips:

  • Meal Prep: Roast a larger batch of veggies and chickpeas, and store them in the fridge for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just reheat and assemble.
  • Protein Boost: For extra protein, add baked tofu, grilled chicken, or even a fried egg on top of the bowl.
  • Spice it Up: Add a dash of Sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the tahini dressing for a bit of heat.
  • Nut Allergy Alternative: If you need a sesame-free dressing, swap tahini for sunflower seed butter.
  • Texture: If you enjoy a crunchier texture, roast the veggies a bit longer, or include additional crispy toppings like roasted pumpkin seeds.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

45 minutes


Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Protein: 12g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Fat: 30g (mainly from healthy fats like olive oil, sesame oil, and tahini)
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Sugars: 8g

(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.)


Conclusion:

These Grain-Free Roasted Veggie Chickpea Bowls with sesame ginger tahini dressing are a delicious, nutrient-packed way to enjoy plant-based ingredients without compromising flavor. The combination of roasted vegetables, crispy chickpeas, and creamy tahini dressing creates a satisfying meal that’s perfect for any time of day. With its vibrant colors, multiple textures, and rich flavors, this dish is bound to become a go-to in your healthy meal rotation. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also customizable and offers a great balance of healthy fats, fiber, and protein.

So, whether you’re looking for a light yet filling lunch or a wholesome dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes for taste, nutrition, and simplicity.

Print
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Grain-Free Roasted Veggie Chickpea Bowls with Sesame Tahini


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

For the Roasted Veggie Bowl:

  • 1 cup canned or cooked chickpeas (rinsed and drained)
  • 1 medium zucchini, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 medium sweet potato, cubed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sesame Ginger Tahini Dressing:

  • ¼ cup tahini
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tbsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for vegan option)
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 12 tbsp water (to thin, if necessary)

For the Toppings:

  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Start by prepping your veggies. Chop the zucchini, red bell pepper, and sweet potato into bite-sized pieces. Cut the broccoli into small florets. Ensure your chickpeas are well-drained and patted dry with a paper towel to help them crisp up during roasting.

Step 2: Season and Roast the Veggies and Chickpeas
On a large baking sheet, spread the vegetables and chickpeas in an even layer. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together so the spices and oil coat the veggies and chickpeas evenly. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the veggies are tender and the chickpeas are crispy.

Step 3: Prepare the Sesame Ginger Tahini Dressing
While the veggies are roasting, make the dressing. In a small mixing bowl, combine the tahini, sesame oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, freshly grated ginger, honey or maple syrup, and lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and creamy. If the dressing is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Toast the Sesame Seeds
In a small dry skillet over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds until they are golden brown and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be sure to stir them frequently to avoid burning. Set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Once the veggies and chickpeas are roasted, it’s time to assemble the bowls. Divide the roasted veggies and chickpeas between two bowls. Drizzle generously with the sesame ginger tahini dressing. Top each bowl with shredded carrots, toasted sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro if using.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Protein: 12g

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