Middle Eastern Rice and Smashed Chickpea Bowl
This vegetarian rice bowl is a simple and hearty lunch that only takes minutes to prepare. Try it with Success® Basmati Rice.
Ingredients
- 2 bags Success® Basmati Rice
- 1 can (19 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, torn
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp za’atar seasoning
Instructions
Topped with Greek yogurt and za’atar seasoning, this rice bowl makes for a simple, flavorful and filling, Middle Eastern-inspired meal. It’s perfect for an on-the-go lunch or a quick weeknight dinner side dish. Try it with our Success® Basmati Rice.
Step 1
Prepare rice according to package directions. Meanwhile, mash chickpeas with a potato masher or a fork.
Step 2
Divide rice between 4 bowls. Top rice with smashed chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers and fresh mint.
Step 3
Serve each bowl with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of za’atar seasoning.
Recipe Tips
Let kids help with the prep for this recipe by allowing them to mash the chickpeas. Getting kids involved with meal prep is a great way to get them interested in what they’re eating.
For a loaded rice bowl, add spinach, black olives and crumbled feta cheese to this dish.
Although this bowl is perfect as a filling, vegetarian meal, feel free to top it with more protein, like precooked, shredded chicken or hard-boiled eggs.
Want to give your dish a Greek spin? Swap out the yogurt and za’atar seasoning for store-bought tzatziki sauce.
Elevate Your Meal!
This simple yet tasty rice bowl is made with a few ingredients that require little to no cooking so you can enjoy a meal in just 15 minutes!
Not to mention, one great way to elevate a simple meal in a bowl is by using fresh herbs, like mint leaves, or seasonings, such as za’atar spice. Looking for more tips to elevate your meals in a bowl? Check out our guide for more easy and delicious rice and quinoa bowls.
What is Za’atar spice?
If you’ve never tried this Middle Eastern seasoning, it’s time you did! Za’atar is a mixture of dried herbs and spices such as sumac, oregano, thyme, marjoram, salt and toasted sesame seeds. Some combinations vary by adding in black pepper or spicy chili flakes.
Za’atar can be used in a variety of ways. It can be used to season meats, vegetables or legumes. Or, it can be tossed into salads or rice bowls, mixed with dips such as hummus or simply blended with oil or yogurt as we have in this recipe.
Looking to Try Something New?
Check out this recipe and learn how to make meatloaf vegan!
