Chickpeas And Macaroni
Chickpeas and macaroni combine with fresh vegetables for a hearty, flavorful dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The savory chickpeas, tender pasta, and aromatic garlic and tomatoes create a comforting meal suitable for vegetarians and everyone who loves wholesome, satisfying comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Saute chopped onion and green pepper in olive oil until softened.
- Add chopped ripe tomatoes and cook for a few minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook small macaroni until tender, then drain.
- Add chickpeas, cooked macaroni, and the tomato mixture together in the pan.
- Cook on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Serve hot with a tossed salad.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Chickpeas And Macaroni, consider adding a pinch of cumin or paprika while sautéing the onions and green pepper. For a vegan twist, substitute olive oil with avocado oil. If you don't have small macaroni, any other short pasta will work just fine. To add more nutrition, throw in some spinach or kale towards the end of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Chickpeas And Macaroni hot, accompanied by a fresh tossed salad or a side of Avocado And Tomato Salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also sprinkle some grated cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor. This dish pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes, making it a versatile meal option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. This dish also tastes great cold, making it a perfect option for meal prep.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chickpeas And Macaroni contains roughly 525 calories, with 17g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), iron (45% of the Daily Value), and protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1246mg per serving (54% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?
Yes, you can use dried chickpeas, but you'll need to soak and cook them beforehand. Soak the chickpeas overnight and then boil them until tender before adding them to the dish. This will take additional time but will enhance the flavor and texture of your Chickpeas And Macaroni.
What can I add to make this dish more filling?
To make your Chickpeas And Macaroni more filling, consider adding cooked vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. You can also stir in some cooked quinoa or bulgur for added protein and texture. These additions will not only increase the dish's heartiness but also provide more nutrients.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! Chickpeas And Macaroni is perfect for meal prepping. It keeps well in the refrigerator and can be portioned out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just make sure to store it in individual containers for convenience, and enjoy it either warm or cold.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).