This One-Pot Rice and Veggies with Chickpeas & Dilly Tahini is a delightful, nourishing dish that combines vibrant vegetables with hearty chickpeas, all enveloped in a creamy, tangy tahini sauce. Perfect for busy weekdays or meal prep, this recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and nutrients. You’ll find that every bite is a celebration of wholesome ingredients, making it a must-try for any home cook.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly simple, requiring just one pot for cooking, which means less mess and easier cleanup. Second, the combination of rice, veggies, and chickpeas creates a satisfying meal that’s both filling and nutritious. The addition of dilly tahini elevates the dish with a fresh, herby flavor that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a healthy lunch option, this One-Pot Rice and Veggies with Chickpeas & Dilly Tahini will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!

Your Shopping Guide

When preparing to make this dish, here’s a handy shopping list to ensure you have everything you need:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium shallot, chopped
1 cup chopped carrots
2 cups chopped cauliflower
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
2 cloves garlic, minced
Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 cup jasmine or long-grain white rice
1 (15-oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 cups vegetable stock, plus extra
½ cup frozen peas
½ cup tahini
½ cup water
1 clove garlic, peeled
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon Tamari
½ teaspoon maple syrup
2 tablespoons dill leaves
1 green onion, roughly chopped
Sea salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Tools & Equipment Needed

Before you dive into cooking, gather these essential tools:

Large pot or Dutch oven: This is where all the magic happens – one pot to cook everything together!
Cutting board and knife: For chopping your vegetables and shallot.
Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure you’re using the right amounts of each ingredient.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients.
Blender or food processor: For making the dilly tahini sauce smooth and creamy.

Cook One-Pot Rice and Veggies with Chickpeas & Dilly Tahini Like This

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious One-Pot Rice and Veggies with Chickpeas & Dilly Tahini:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In your large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent. This step builds a flavorful base for your dish.

Step 2: Add the Veggies

Stir in the chopped carrots and cauliflower, cooking for an additional 5-7 minutes. You want the veggies to soften but not lose their vibrant color. Sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, dried thyme, and turmeric during this time, allowing the spices to bloom and release their aroma.

Step 3: Incorporate Garlic

Next, add the minced garlic and season with sea salt and ground black pepper to taste. Stir everything together and let it cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant.

Step 4: Mix in the Rice and Chickpeas

Pour in the rice, drained chickpeas, and vegetable stock. Add the Dijon mustard, stirring everything to combine well. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, covering the pot with a lid.

Step 5: Cook the Rice

Allow the rice to cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. If you find it too dry, feel free to add a splash of extra vegetable stock as needed.

Step 6: Stir in the Peas

Once the rice is cooked, fold in the frozen peas. The residual heat will warm them through without overcooking.

Step 7: Make the Dilly Tahini Sauce

In a blender or food processor, combine the tahini, water, peeled garlic clove, lemon juice, Tamari, maple syrup, and dill leaves. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water until you reach your desired consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the rice and veggie mixture onto plates or into bowls, drizzling generously with the dilly tahini sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy your wholesome meal!

Health-Conscious Tweaks

This One-Pot Rice and Veggies with Chickpeas & Dilly Tahini is already a nutritious choice, but here are some health-conscious tweaks you can make:

Whole grain rice: Swap jasmine rice for brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients.
Extra veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for even more nutrition.
Low-sodium stock: Use low-sodium vegetable stock to control the sodium content in this dish.
Reduce oil: If you’re looking to cut down on calories, you can use a non-stick pan and reduce the olive oil to 1 teaspoon.

Problems & Prevention

While this recipe is straightforward, here are some common issues and how to prevent them:

Rice not cooking properly: Ensure you’re using the correct ratio of rice to liquid. If it’s too dry, add more vegetable stock.
Burning the bottom: Keep the heat low when simmering and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Too thick tahini sauce: If your sauce is too thick, blend in a little more water until you achieve the desired consistency.

Shelf Life & Storage

If you find yourself with leftovers, here’s how to store them:

The One-Pot Rice and Veggies with Chickpeas & Dilly Tahini can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water to loosen if needed.

Wrap-Up

This One-Pot Rice and Veggies with Chickpeas & Dilly Tahini is a delightful way to enjoy a wholesome, nutritious meal without the fuss of multiple pots and pans. With its colorful ingredients and creamy tahini sauce, it’s bound to be a hit at your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a crowd, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and ease of preparation. Enjoy every bite of this wholesome meal, and don’t forget to share your creations!