Peanut Chickpea Rice Bowl (Printable)

Hearty brown rice bowl with chickpeas, peanuts, and colorful veggies in zesty peanut dressing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Grains

01 - 1 cup brown rice
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Legumes & Nuts

04 - 1 1/2 cups cooked chickpeas
05 - 1/2 cup roasted unsalted peanuts

→ Vegetables

06 - 1 cup shredded carrot
07 - 1 cup shredded red cabbage
08 - 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
09 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
10 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves

→ Peanut Dressing

11 - 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
12 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
13 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup
14 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
15 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
16 - 1 to 2 tablespoons warm water
17 - 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
18 - 1 small garlic clove, minced
19 - Pinch of chili flakes

# How-To Steps:

01 - Rinse brown rice under cold water. In a medium saucepan, combine rice, water, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 to 35 minutes until tender. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
02 - Whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and chili flakes in a small bowl. Add warm water gradually until the dressing reaches a pourable consistency.
03 - Shred the carrot and cabbage, thinly slice cucumber and scallions, and roughly chop cilantro.
04 - Divide the cooked rice among four bowls. Top each with chickpeas, peanuts, carrot, cabbage, cucumber, and scallions.
05 - Drizzle generously with the peanut dressing. Garnish with cilantro and extra peanuts if desired.
06 - Serve immediately, or refrigerate for a refreshing cold bowl later.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's a complete meal that actually keeps you full, packed with protein and fiber that stick with you through the afternoon slump.
  • The peanut dressing transforms humble ingredients into something so craveable you'll find yourself making it twice in one week.
  • You can throw it together in under 45 minutes, or prep components ahead and assemble when hunger strikes.
02 -
  • If your rice comes out mushy, you either added too much water or cooked it too long—next time, use a 1:2 ratio and set a timer you actually listen to.
  • The dressing thickens as it sits, so if you make it ahead, thin it with a splash of warm water before serving for that perfect pourable consistency.
03 -
  • Keep a container of this peanut dressing in your fridge always; it transforms roasted vegetables, plain grains, and even simple salads into something memorable.
  • Brown rice releases its starch slowly, so don't worry if your finished rice isn't perfectly separated—a light fluff with a fork breaks up any gentle clumping instantly.
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