Name: Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari; 1/4 cup maple syrup; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil; 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water; 2 cups cooked chickpeas (or one 15 oz can, drained and rinsed); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 2 green onions, sliced; Salt and pepper to taste; Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving; Steamed or roasted vegetables, for serving

Why Make This Recipe

Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas offer a delightful blend of flavors while being completely plant-based. This dish is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. It is a great way to enjoy healthy chickpeas glazed in a sweet and savory sauce. Plus, it’s nourishing and full of protein, making it a healthy choice for everyone!

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How to Make Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
2 cups cooked chickpeas (or one 15 oz can, drained and rinsed)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 green onions, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving
Steamed or roasted vegetables, for serving

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and toasted sesame oil.
Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet with the onion and garlic, stirring well to combine.
Dissolve the cornstarch in water and add it to the skillet. Stir continuously until the sauce begins to thicken.
Add the cooked chickpeas to the skillet, stirring to coat them evenly with the sticky sesame sauce.
Allow the chickpeas to simmer in the sauce for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are heated through and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.
Sprinkle the sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the chickpeas. Stir to combine, then adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Serve the sticky sesame chickpeas over a bed of cooked rice or quinoa with steamed or roasted vegetables on the side.

How to Serve Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas

To serve, place a generous portion of the sticky sesame chickpeas over a bowl of cooked rice or quinoa. Add your favorite steamed or roasted vegetables on the side for a balanced meal. You can also garnish with extra sesame seeds or chopped green onions for added flavor.

How to Store Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas

If you have leftovers, store the sticky sesame chickpeas in an airtight container in the fridge. They will remain fresh for about 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Tips to Make Vegan Sticky Sesame Chickpeas

For extra flavor, you can add grated ginger to the skillet when cooking the onion and garlic.
If you like it spicy, add a splash of sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Experiment with different vegetables, such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas, for more variety.

Variation

You can easily customize this dish by swapping chickpeas for other legumes, like black beans or lentils. You can also make it gluten-free by using tamari instead of soy sauce.

FAQs

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried chickpeas. Just remember to soak and cook them beforehand.

What can I use instead of maple syrup?
You can substitute maple syrup with agave syrup or brown sugar if needed.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chickpeas and sauce in advance, and store them in the fridge. Just reheat before serving!