Description
Turmeric Rice with Chickpeas is a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired one-pot dish featuring fragrant turmeric-spiced basmati rice, tender chickpeas, and nutrient-packed spinach. Enhanced with aromatic leek, garlic, and oregano, this healthy and flavorful meal is served with a bright squeeze of lemon and creamy Greek yogurt, perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 leek (chopped – or a large onion)
- 3 cloves garlic (grated)
- 5 cups spinach (about 5 cups / chopped)
- 1 lemon (juice only)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt (or more to taste)
- Black pepper to taste
Grains and Legumes
- ½ cup basmati rice (or jasmine rice — uncooked)
- 2 cans chickpeas (15 oz / 400 g each can — drained and rinsed — or 3 cups / 460 g cooked chickpeas)
Liquids and Oils
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cups vegetable broth (add more to taste if you like a brothier dish)
Dairy
- 4 dollops Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Sauté the Leek: Heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped leek and cook for about 4 minutes until soft and translucent. Tip: Rinse the leek well to remove any sand by slicing it in half lengthwise and rinsing between the layers before cooking.
- Add Flavor and Greens: Stir in the grated garlic, turmeric, dried oregano, chopped spinach, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts down and the spices fill the kitchen with a fragrant aroma.
- Add Rice and Chickpeas: Add the basmati rice and drained chickpeas to the pan, stirring well to coat them in the turmeric and spices. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the turmeric rice warm with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a dollop of Greek yogurt or Skyr. For added protein, optionally top with a poached egg.
Notes
- Leeks can contain sand; ensure to rinse thoroughly before chopping.
- Use vegetable broth to keep the dish vegetarian and add depth of flavor.
- If you prefer a softer or brothier rice, add a little more vegetable broth during cooking.
- Greek yogurt adds a nice creamy tanginess and extra protein, but it can be omitted or substituted with plant-based yogurt for a vegan version.
- This dish is perfect for meal prep and reheats well.
- Basmati rice is preferred for its fragrance and texture, but jasmine rice is a good substitute.
- For extra protein, a poached egg is suggested but optional.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: turmeric rice, chickpeas, Mediterranean diet, vegetarian, spinach, healthy recipe, one-pot meal, Greek yogurt, basmati rice
