Peanut Chickpea Rice Bowl (Printable)

Hearty brown rice bowl with chickpeas, peanuts, and crisp veggies in zesty peanut dressing

# What You'll Need:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup brown rice
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Legumes & Nuts

04 - 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
05 - 1/2 cup roasted unsalted peanuts

→ Vegetables

06 - 1 cup shredded carrot
07 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
08 - 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
09 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
10 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, optional

→ Peanut Dressing

11 - 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
12 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
13 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
14 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or lime juice
15 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
16 - 1 to 2 tablespoons warm water
17 - 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
18 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
19 - Pinch of chili flakes, optional

# Directions:

01 - Rinse brown rice under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 to 35 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
02 - While rice cooks, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes in a small bowl. Add warm water gradually until the dressing reaches a pourable consistency.
03 - Shred the carrot and cabbage, thinly slice cucumber and scallions, and roughly chop cilantro if using.
04 - Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top each with chickpeas, peanuts, carrot, cabbage, cucumber, and scallions.
05 - Drizzle generously with the peanut dressing. Garnish with cilantro and extra peanuts if desired.
06 - Serve immediately, or refrigerate for a refreshing cold bowl later.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than ordering takeout, yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
  • One bowl delivers complete protein, healthy fats, and enough vegetables to feel genuinely virtuous without sacrifice.
  • The peanut dressing is so addictive you might find yourself making extra just to drizzle over random things.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the rice; it makes the difference between separate grains and a gluey mess that changes the whole eating experience.
  • Add the dressing water gradually because different peanut butter brands have different consistencies; you'd rather thin it out carefully than have it become too watery.
  • The dressing thickens slightly as it sits, so if you're making it ahead, add a splash more water just before serving.
03 -
  • Toast the chickpeas briefly in a hot skillet with smoked paprika and a pinch of salt before adding them to the bowl; it transforms them from good to absolutely crave-worthy.
  • Make the dressing in a small jar with a tight lid so you can shake it together quickly on busy mornings, and it keeps perfectly for grabbing throughout the week.
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