CREAMY PESTO CHICKPEA BOWL
A creamy pesto chickpea bowl is a delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish packed with flavour, texture and nutrients. The combination of hearty farro, crispy roasted chickpeas and juicy cherry tomatoes creates a well-balanced meal, while the creamy pesto sauce ties everything together with a rich, herby taste. Farro, an ancient grain, provides a chewy texture and nutty flavour while offering a great source of fibre and protein. The roasted chickpeas add a satisfying crunch, making each bite more enjoyable. This bowl is perfect for meal prepping, quick lunches, or light dinners. It’s a fantastic option for vegetarians and anyone looking for a balanced, wholesome dish. The ingredients are simple, yet they create a vibrant, nutritious meal that is both filling and energising. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, this creamy pesto chickpea bowl is a flavourful and nourishing choice.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Lunch, Dinner
SERVING SIZE
1 serving
CUISINE
Mediterranean
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Roast, Simmer, No-Cook
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Healthy Eating, Meal Prep, Summer, Light Lunch, Vegetarian Diet
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, High Fibre, Vegetarian, Quick & Easy
DISH TYPE
Grain Bowl
INGREDIENTS OF CREAMY PESTO CHICKPEA BOWL
- 50g cooked farro
- 40g roasted chickpeas
- 10g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 tbsp pesto sauce
- ½ tsp lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)
- ¼ tsp black pepper (optional, for seasoning)
- 1 tbsp crumbled feta cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 345 kcal
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fibre: 9g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Sugar: 3g
PREPARATION FOR CREAMY PESTO CHICKPEA BOWL
- Prepare The Farro: Cook the farro according to package instructions until it is tender. Drain and let it cool slightly.
- Roast The Chickpeas: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss chickpeas with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
- Chop The Tomatoes: Halve the cherry tomatoes for a fresh, juicy bite.
- Assemble The Bowl: Place the cooked farro in a serving bowl. Add the roasted chickpeas and cherry tomatoes on top.
- Drizzle With Pesto: Spoon the pesto sauce evenly over the bowl for a rich, creamy texture.
- Add Optional Toppings: Drizzle with lemon juice for brightness and season with black pepper. If using, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese for extra flavour.
- Serve And Enjoy: Mix gently and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
PREP TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
15 minutes
TIPS FOR CREAMY PESTO CHICKPEA BOWL
- Perfect Farro Texture: Cook Farro until slightly chewy, not mushy, for the best texture.
- Extra Crispy Chickpeas: Let roasted chickpeas cool for a few minutes after baking to keep them crunchy.
- Enhance The Pesto: Mix a little extra olive oil into the pesto for a smoother consistency.
- Add More Protein: Stir in a handful of edamame or hemp seeds for an extra protein boost.
- Balanced Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper to taste for the perfect balance of flavours.
VARIATIONS
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap farro for quinoa or brown rice to make this dish gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free Version: Omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative.
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Nut-Free Alternative: Use a sunflower seed pesto instead of traditional basil pesto with nuts.
- Extra Greens: Mix in arugula or baby spinach for added freshness and nutrients.
- Creamier Consistency: Blend a little Greek yoghurt into the pesto for a tangy, creamy twist.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep pesto separate until ready to serve.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked farro and roasted chickpeas separately for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm Farro in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Roasted chickpeas can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
- Meal Prep Tip: Prepare ingredients ahead of time and store in individual portions for easy, grab-and-go meals throughout the week.