07/04/2025
🍛🥥 Cuban Chickpea Picadillo
Plant-Based • High-Protein • Bold & Comforting
A vegan twist on a Cuban classic! This flavorful chickpea picadillo is rich in tomato, spices, and authenticity—perfect over rice or quinoa, with a side of greens or avocado.
Ingredients
1/2 cup canned chickpeas (rinsed & drained)
1/4 small onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup crushed tomatoes (or tomato passata)
1 tbsp tomato paste
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp chopped green olives (optional but traditional)
1/2 tsp olive oil
Salt & pepper, to taste
For Serving:
1/2 cup cooked brown rice or quinoa
Optional: sautéed greens, avocado slices, chopped cilantro, lime wedge
🥄 Directions
Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and red pepper, cooking for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.
Add the chickpeas: Stir in the chickpeas, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, cumin, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper.
Simmer: Let everything simmer gently for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and flavors meld.
Add olives (if using): Stir in chopped olives during the last minute for a briny Cuban touch.
Serve: Spoon over brown rice or quinoa and top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Add a side of sautéed greens or avocado slices for extra nutrients and creaminess.