One-Pot Spiced Chickpea and Rice Pilaf

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-05 · Updated 2026-05-05

A fragrant pilaf combining aromatic spices with tender chickpeas and fluffy basmati rice for a hearty vegetarian main or side. This Middle Eastern-inspired vegan recipe (vegetarian, gluten free), ready in about 35 minutes, pairs basmati rice, canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 cup basmati rice
• 1 can (15 oz) canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Nonstick skillets worth buying → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup basmati rice under cold water until water runs clear and drain well.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a medium pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced medium yellow onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent.
3. Step 3: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, and 1/2 tsp ground turmeric, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the rinsed rice and 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas to the pot, stirring to coat the rice with spices.
5. Step 5: Pour in 2 cups vegetable broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and let it sit covered for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro before serving.