Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli Recipe

Introduction

This Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli recipe is a plant-based delight that brings together savory, sweet, and spicy flavors in a single dish. I recently prepared this for a quick dinner, and it was an instant favorite. The chickpeas are coated in a sticky, flavorful sauce with hints of ginger and garlic, and paired with tender broccoli, making it a delicious and wholesome meal. The recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a healthy, satisfying dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• For the Dish:
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil (divided)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup water (as needed for sauce consistency)
• Cooked rice or quinoa (for serving)
• Sliced green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Broccoli: Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the broccoli florets and stir-fry for 5-6 minutes, until they are tender but still crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well, and if the sauce is too thick, add water 1 tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
3. Cook the Chickpeas: Add the drained chickpeas to the skillet, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chickpeas are heated through and the sauce has thickened and become sticky.
4. Combine with Broccoli: Add the cooked broccoli back into the skillet and toss to combine everything with the sticky sauce. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the dish and give it a final stir.
5. Serve: Serve the Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa. Garnish with sliced green onions and additional sesame seeds if desired.

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320 kcal

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice for a complete meal.
• Pair with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
• Garnish with additional sesame seeds for added crunch.
• Top with thinly sliced green onions or fresh cilantro for color and freshness.
• Drizzle with extra soy sauce or a dash of sriracha for added flavor.

Additional Tips

1. Use fresh ginger for a more aromatic flavor, but ground ginger works in a pinch.
2. Adjust the sauce thickness by adding water a tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
3. For even more flavor, marinate the chickpeas in soy sauce and garlic for 10 minutes before cooking.
4. Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the sauce from sticking and burning.
5. Add a pinch of brown sugar to the sauce for a deeper sweetness if desired.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha for a spicy twist.
• Additional Vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for extra color and nutrients.
• Nutty Flavor: Stir in a handful of cashews or peanuts for a crunchy texture and added protein.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
• Low-Sodium: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the overall salt content in the dish.

Serving Suggestions

• Weeknight Dinner: Serve as a main course for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.
• Lunch Meal Prep: Divide into containers with rice for a satisfying lunch throughout the week.
• Party Appetizer: Serve as an appetizer by skewering broccoli and chickpeas onto small sticks.
• Potluck Dish: This dish works well for potlucks as a warm, shareable plant-based option.
• Side Dish: Pair with grilled tofu or roasted sweet potatoes for a well-rounded vegan meal.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Allow the dish to cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Refrigerating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use fresh chickpeas instead of canned?
   Yes, cooked fresh chickpeas work well in this recipe. Use about 1 1/2 cups.
2. Can I use frozen broccoli?
   Absolutely. Just cook it a bit longer to ensure it’s heated through.
3. Is there a substitute for sesame oil?
   You can use olive oil, but sesame oil adds a unique nutty flavor that enhances the dish.
4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, substitute soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
5. How can I make this spicier?
   Add more red pepper flakes or drizzle sriracha into the sauce.
6. What type of rice works best?
   Jasmine rice, brown rice, or basmati rice pairs well, but any rice works as a base.
7. Can I omit the hoisin sauce?
   Yes, but it adds a layer of flavor. Substitute with extra soy sauce or a bit of miso paste.
8. Is maple syrup necessary?
   Maple syrup balances the savory flavors, but honey or agave syrup works as well.
9. Can I use this sauce on other vegetables?
   Absolutely! The sauce works well with carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas.
10. What’s the best way to garnish?
    Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, or try fresh cilantro or a lime wedge for added brightness.

Conclusion

Sticky Sesame Chickpeas & Broccoli is a flavorful, satisfying dish that’s easy to make and adaptable to suit various tastes. The sticky, slightly sweet sauce pairs perfectly with chickpeas and broccoli, making it a balanced, nutritious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side, this dish is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy the simplicity and bold flavors of this plant-based recipe, and feel free to customize it to make it your own!

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