There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, nourishing bowl full of roasted vegetables, crispy chickpeas, and a velvety dressing. This Roasted Vegetable & Chickpea Bowl with Tahini Dressing is everything you want in a meal: comforting, nutritious, and packed with flavor. Whether you're a plant-based eater or simply looking to add more veggies into your diet, this recipe is bound to become one of your favorites.
The secret to this recipe is in the roasting process. Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and creates a caramelized exterior, while the chickpeas become crunchy and golden brown, providing the perfect contrast to the creamy tahini dressing. Together, they create a balanced dish that’s rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Plus, it’s a visually stunning bowl of goodness that you’ll want to share on social media (it’s that pretty)!
This recipe is super versatile, too. You can easily customize the veggies and seasoning to suit your taste, making it ideal for meal prepping or creating a quick, flavorful dinner on busy weeknights. Serve it with a side of quinoa, rice, or leafy greens for added nutrients, or enjoy it on its own as a hearty vegetarian meal.
Ingredients (in grams)
For the Roasted Vegetables & Chickpeas:
- 1 medium sweet potato (about 200g), peeled and diced
- 1 small zucchini (about 150g), chopped
- 1 red bell pepper (about 150g), sliced
- ½ red onion (about 70g), sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15g)
- 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (2g)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (1g)
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin (1g)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tahini Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons tahini (45g)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15g)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup (5g)
- 2-3 tablespoons water (30-45g), to thin the dressing
- Salt, to taste
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Cooked quinoa or brown rice (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to make cleanup easier. Begin by chopping the sweet potato, zucchini, red bell pepper, and red onion into bite-sized pieces. This will ensure everything cooks evenly.
- Season the Vegetables: Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables, then season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together in a large bowl, making sure each piece of veggie is coated with the seasoning and oil.
- Roast the Vegetables: Spread the seasoned vegetables out on the baking sheet in an even layer. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through for even roasting.
- Roast the Chickpeas: While the vegetables are roasting, spread the chickpeas on a separate baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if you like a little extra flavor), and roast for about 15-20 minutes, or until crispy. Don’t forget to shake the pan halfway through to get an even crunch.
- Prepare the Tahini Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, minced garlic, maple syrup, and salt. Slowly add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dressing reaches your desired consistency. If you like a thinner dressing, add more water, but be careful not to make it too runny.
- Assemble the Bowls: Once the vegetables and chickpeas are roasted to perfection, divide them between serving bowls. Drizzle with the creamy tahini dressing and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro for a burst of color. If you like a more filling meal, add a serving of quinoa or brown rice.
- Serve and Enjoy: Your Roasted Vegetable & Chickpea Bowl with Tahini Dressing is now ready to serve! Whether you're enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or as a make-ahead meal prep, this bowl will keep you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Roasted Vegetable & Chickpea Bowl
1. Packed with Nutrients: This bowl is loaded with a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, while chickpeas provide a great source of plant-based protein and fiber. Zucchini and bell peppers add a refreshing crunch and boost your intake of vitamin C. The tahini dressing, made from sesame seeds, is also packed with healthy fats and minerals like calcium.
2. Customizable: Feel free to switch up the vegetables based on what’s in season or what you have available. Try roasted Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or carrots for a different twist. You can also switch up the spices – curry powder, chili flakes, or turmeric would all complement the vegetables beautifully.
3. Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is ideal for meal prep. Make a big batch, divide it into containers, and store it in the fridge for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. The tahini dressing can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
4. Vegan & Gluten-Free: This bowl is naturally vegan and gluten-free, making it suitable for most dietary preferences and restrictions. Plus, it's a delicious and satisfying option for anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their routine.
Tips & Tricks
- Roast Vegetables in Batches: If you're making a larger batch, roast the vegetables in two batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowded vegetables will steam instead of roast, and you won’t get that perfect caramelization.
- Make It Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the roasted vegetables or sprinkle chili flakes over the chickpeas before roasting.
- Make a Bigger Batch of Chickpeas: If you love crispy chickpeas, double the batch and keep extra in the fridge for snacking or adding to salads and bowls throughout the week.
- Dressing Variations: Experiment with the tahini dressing by adding a spoonful of olive tapenade for a salty, savory twist, or throw in a few fresh herbs like basil or dill for added flavor.
- Texture Play: If you prefer a different texture for your tahini dressing, try adding a spoonful of avocado to create a creamier consistency with a subtle richness.
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