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Maple Dijon Chickpea Bowls with Crunchy Kale & Quinoa Recipe


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chickpeas:

  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Crunchy Kale:

  • 4 cups fresh kale, stems removed and leaves roughly chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, for added flavor)

For the Quinoa:

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth or water
  • Pinch of salt

For the Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing:

  • ¼ cup tahini
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 23 tablespoons water (to adjust consistency)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembling the Bowls:

  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 carrot, grated
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (optional, for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Chickpeas

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then pat them dry using a kitchen towel. Removing excess moisture helps them roast to a crispy texture.
  • Toss the chickpeas with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  • Roast for 25-30 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through to ensure even crispiness. The chickpeas should come out crunchy and golden.

Step 2: Cook the Quinoa

  • While the chickpeas roast, cook the quinoa. Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove the natural coating that can cause bitterness.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed quinoa, vegetable broth (or water), and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  • Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa absorbs the liquid and becomes fluffy. Once done, fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Crunchy Kale

  • While the quinoa cooks, prepare the kale.
  • In a large bowl, toss the kale with olive oil, salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast (if using).
  • Spread the kale on a baking sheet in an even layer.
  • Roast in the oven for 10-12 minutes (alongside the chickpeas), tossing halfway through. The kale should become crispy but still retain a bright green color.

Step 4: Make the Maple Dijon Tahini Dressing

  • In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and water.
  • Adjust the consistency by adding more water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing is smooth and pourable.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste. The dressing should be creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls

  • To assemble the bowls, start by adding a generous scoop of cooked quinoa as the base.
  • Layer the crispy roasted chickpeas, crunchy kale, and other fresh veggies like avocado slices, grated carrots, and cherry tomatoes.
  • Drizzle the maple Dijon tahini dressing over the top, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying.
  • Garnish with pumpkin seeds for added crunch and fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 460
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fiber: 12g
  • Protein: 15g