If you are looking for a healthy recipe that is easy to make, then Pilaf with Chickpeas and Caramelized Onions is your best bet. This dish is a perfect combination of flavourful rice, protein-packed chickpeas, and sweet caramelized onions.

The aroma of this pilaf will make your taste buds dance with joy, and your stomach will be full of healthy goodness.

Ingredients

• 1 cup Basmati rice (washed and drained)
• 1 can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 1 large onion (thinly sliced)
• 2 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 2 cups boiling water
• Fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onions and cook for 10-15 minutes until they are caramelized. Stir occasionally so they don’t burn and stick to the pot.
3. Add minced garlic, cumin powder, and cinnamon powder to the pot. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add Basmati rice and sauté it for a minute.
5. Now add chickpeas, salt, and boiling water to the pot. Give it a quick stir and reduce the heat to its lowest setting.
6. Cover the pan with a tight-fitting lid and let it cook undisturbed for 15-20 minutes until the rice has absorbed all the water.
7. Once done, fluff the rice with a fork and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
8. Your pilaf is ready to serve!

Health Benefits

This pilaf is not only a tasty treat but also packed with nutrients. Chickpeas are a rich source of protein, fiber, iron, and vitamins, which are essential for the body.

Moreover, Basmati rice is a good source of carbohydrates, B vitamins, and fiber, which keep the body energized and help in digestion. Caramelized onions are also a good source of vitamin C and antioxidants, which help in overall health and well-being.

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Variations

This pilaf recipe is quite versatile, and you can add more vegetables or herbs to it to suit your taste preferences. For instance, you can add some diced tomatoes, red or green bell peppers, or even spinach to the pilaf to make it a wholesome meal.

Moreover, you can add some fresh lemon juice or zest to it to enhance the flavour. Adding different herbs such as cilantro or mint can also add more taste to your pilaf.

Conclusion

Pilaf with Chickpeas and Caramelized Onions is an easy-to-make recipe that is packed with goodness. It is a wholesome meal that can be enjoyed by all, whether you are a vegetarian, vegan or meat-eater.

You can also tweak it to suit your taste buds and experiment with different herbs or spices to make it your own. So, go ahead and give it a try, we promise you won’t be disappointed!.