This Chickpea Rice recipe is known as "Riza't Khitrimane" in Assyrian. It's absolutely delicious and is a quick and satisfying meal option. It can be served as a vegetarian dish (with a Middle Eastern salad on the side). However, it's also great as a side dish with sumac chicken or kofta kebabs.
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This Chickpea rice recipe is perfect for when you're short on time but still want something yummy and satisfying. It's simple to prepare and can be ready in under 30 minutes.
Adding chickpeas to the rice not only improves the flavor but also increases the amount of protein in the dish, making it a more balanced meal option.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Chickpea rice is a delicious dish that's easy to prepare!
- This dish can be served as a side or as a main if served with a salad and a protein.
- Chickpea rice leftovers taste great!
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Rice: I prefer using jasmine rice, but basmati rice is another great option.
- Butter: If you want to make this a vegan dish, substitute avocado oil or olive oil.
- Chickpeas: Canned garbanzo beans/chickpeas.
- Salt: Sea salt, table salt, or kosher salt.
How to Make Chickpea Rice
Step 1: Empty the can of chickpeas into a medium-sized pot, including the liquid. Add butter and salt, while stirring over medium heat.
Step 2: Rinse, then drain the rice in a strainer and add to the same pot.
Step 3: Add enough water to cover the rice by approximately ¼"-½". If you prefer precise measurement, the liquid should equal two cups total.
Step 4: Stir and bring to a boil, then cover and cook over low heat for approximately 25 minutes. Stir a few times while it's cooking.
Serving Suggestions
To make a vegetarian meal, serve accompanied by a Greek Cucumber Salad and pickled turnips. If you'd like to add protein, choose from Masgouf, chicken kofta kebabs, or za'atar chicken.
Recipe FAQs
Sometimes "chickpeas" are referred to as "garbanzo beans." The names are interchangeable, however, "garbanzo" is their Spanish name.
Although novice cooks might think chickpeas come from a can, you can actually enjoy them fresh out of their pods. Maybe you've passed by them in the grocery store and didn't even know it.
Dried chickpeas are great for making a falafel wrap or Lebanese hummus. The only thing to be aware of is that you have to soak them the night before.
Canned garbanzo beans can be added to rice to make chickpea rice and can even be used to make Chickpea Cookies! You will be surprised by how delicious they are!
Pro Tips
- I used to have such a hard time cooking rice. My mom finally shared that I was adding more water than necessary. Remember, you can always add more water, if necessary. However, if you add too much, there's no going back!
- Add enough water to cover the rice by approximately ¼"-½". If you prefer precise measurement, the liquid should be equal to the amount of rice used, or slightly more. So for every cup of rice, add one cup to 1-¼ cups of liquid.
- Stir and bring to a boil, then cover and cook over low heat for approximately 25 minutes. I usually stir the rice a few times while it's cooking. This helps to keep the bottom from sticking or burning.
More Middle Eastern Recipes
If you enjoy this chickpea rice recipe, be sure to check out these related recipes!
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Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Empty the can of chickpeas into a medium-sized pot, including the liquid. Add butter and salt, while stirring over medium heat. Rinse, then drain the rice in a strainer and add to the same pot.
- Add enough water to cover the rice by approximately ¼"-½". If you prefer precise measurement, the liquid should equal two cups total. Stir and bring to a boil, then cover and cook over low heat for approximately 25 minutes. Stir a few times while it's cooking.
- Serve accompanied by a salad, pickled turnips (link in notes), and kabobs. The rice is sprinkled with sumac (optional step, but goes great with kabobs!)
Nutrition
Notes
- I used to have such a hard time cooking rice. My mom finally shared that I was adding more water than necessary. Remember, you can always add more water, if necessary. However, if you add too much, there's no going back!
- Add enough water to cover the rice by approximately ¼"-½". If you prefer precise measurement, the liquid should be equal to the amount of rice used, or slightly more. So for every cup of rice, add one cup to 1-¼ cups of liquid.
- Stir and bring to a boil, then cover and cook over low heat for approximately 25 minutes. I usually stir the rice a few times while it's cooking. This helps to keep the bottom from sticking or burning.
Lobo says
Great recipe ! I make this often
Hilda Sterner says
Thank you, Lauren, I don't make it often enough, although I love it, enjoy!