Smoky Chickpea Veggie Hash
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
I love starting my day with a hearty and flavorful breakfast, and this Smoky Chickpea Veggie Hash is one of my favorites. The combination of smoky spices and vibrant vegetables truly awakens my senses. Not only is it packed with protein and fiber from the chickpeas, but it also comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy mornings. Plus, I love how versatile it is; you can customize the veggies based on what you have on hand. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your brunch rotation!
When I first made this Smoky Chickpea Veggie Hash, I was genuinely surprised at how easy it was to whip up a delicious, satisfying dish in under 30 minutes! The secret lies in the spices; a good mix of smoked paprika and cumin really brings out the flavors of the veggies and chickpeas. I often find myself swapping in whatever seasonal vegetables I have, which keeps it fresh and exciting.
Another thing I love is the vibrant colors in this dish. Each bite not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning on the plate. A sprinkle of fresh herbs as a finishing touch elevates this dish even more. It’s a fantastic way to impress guests at brunch or just to enjoy a nutritious meal that fuels my day!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Packed with protein and fiber to keep you full and energized
- Delightfully smoky flavor that tantalizes your taste buds
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy mornings
Choosing the Right Vegetables
While this Smoky Chickpea Veggie Hash calls for bell peppers and zucchini, feel free to get creative with your vegetable choices. Vegetables like spinach, kale, or diced potatoes work great in this dish. If you're using starchy vegetables like potatoes, consider pre-cooking them until they are tender, as they may need longer than the other veggies to cook through. Additionally, incorporating seasonal vegetables not only enhances the flavor but also adds nutritional diversity to your breakfast.
When preparing your vegetables, make sure to dice them uniformly for even cooking. This is essential, especially when sautéing, as unevenly sized pieces can lead to some being overcooked while others remain crunchy. As a thumb rule, aim for pieces around 1/2 inch in size. Keep an eye on the cooking process; you'll know your vegetables are ready when they have a slight tenderness but still retain some bite.
Enhancing Flavor with Spices
The combination of smoked paprika and ground cumin is what gives this dish its compelling, smoky flavor profile. Smoked paprika, in particular, offers a depth that can be hard to replicate with other spices. If you're looking to adjust the heat level, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions. Be cautious: start with small amounts and taste as you go, as you can always add more but can't take it out once mixed in.
Another great way to amplify flavors is to let the hash sit for a few minutes after cooking before serving. This resting period allows the spices to bloom, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. As the hash cools slightly, it also allows for the textures to set, offering a more satisfying bite when plated.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Veggie Hash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Instructions
Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes.
Add the Bell Pepper and Zucchini
Stir in the bell pepper and zucchini, cooking for another 5 minutes until the veggies are tender.
Add chickpeas and spices
Add the drained chickpeas, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serve and garnish
Transfer the veggie hash to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Pro Tips
- For an added kick, consider topping your hash with a sunny-side-up egg or some avocado slices.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can cook a batch of the veggie hash on the weekend and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When you're ready to enjoy it, simply reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld even further as it sits.
For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions of the veggie hash. Place cooled servings into freezer-safe bags, and they can last for up to three months. To reheat, you can either thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm on the stovetop or microwave directly from frozen, adding a little water to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
Serving Suggestions
This Smoky Chickpea Veggie Hash makes a spectacular stand-alone dish, but you can elevate it even further by serving it with something creamy. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a vegan alternative not only adds a cool contrast to the spices but also introduces a nice tang. You can also drizzle tahini sauce on top for a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the smoky elements of the hash.
If you're feeling indulgent, consider topping the hash with a fried egg. The runny yolk adds richness and enhances the overall texture of the dish. For added freshness, serve alongside a simple arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette, which balances the hearty flavors of the hash perfectly.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this hash ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the veggie hash a day in advance. Just reheat it before serving.
→ What other vegetables can I use?
Feel free to use other seasonal vegetables, such as spinach, kale, or mushrooms.
→ Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Divide the hash into portions and store them in the fridge for quick meals throughout the week.
→ Can this be made vegan?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan! Just ensure all your additional toppings are plant-based.
Smoky Chickpea Veggie Hash
I love starting my day with a hearty and flavorful breakfast, and this Smoky Chickpea Veggie Hash is one of my favorites. The combination of smoky spices and vibrant vegetables truly awakens my senses. Not only is it packed with protein and fiber from the chickpeas, but it also comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy mornings. Plus, I love how versatile it is; you can customize the veggies based on what you have on hand. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your brunch rotation!
What You'll Need
For the Veggie Hash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 3 minutes.
Stir in the bell pepper and zucchini, cooking for another 5 minutes until the veggies are tender.
Add the drained chickpeas, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Transfer the veggie hash to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Extra Tips
- For an added kick, consider topping your hash with a sunny-side-up egg or some avocado slices.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 330mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 58g
- Dietary Fiber: 15g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 15g