I love finding joy in the simpliest of things and a meal should never have to be too complicated to be enjoyable. Tonight’s dinner was a perfect example in simplicity because even though my fridge was looking pretty bare, I still had everything I needed to make a meal that had us both licking our chops.
I knew that I had a can of chickpeas kicking around in the cupboard and some broccoli that had to be used stat, so I typed “broccoli & chickpeas” into Google and came up with a recipe from Food & Wine. Not content to leave well enough alone, I gauged what I had available to me, tampered with the recipe and was so pleased with the results. Everything about this meal is greater than the sum of it’s parts. Together – the spagetti, the florets of broccoli and even the lowly (but lovely) chickpea – is elevated to honeymoon status*. This is simple eatin’ at it’s best and it makes a near-empty fridge turn into a triumph! Huzzah!
broccoli & chickpea pasta
250 g pasta
1 can of chickpeas
1 head of broccoli
1 lemon, juiced & zested
5 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 onion, diced
1/2 c olive oil
1 t red pepper flakes
salt & pepper
1/4 c pasta cooking liquid
2 T parmesan cheese1. Drain chickpeas and place in a bowl. Add a 1/4 cup of olive oil, lemon zest and juice, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Set aside.
2. In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add in broccoli and salt and cook until bright green. Remove broccoli with a slotted spoon and add to the chickpea mixture. Toss.
3. Add pasta to pot where you just cooked the broccoli. Bring to a boil and then turn down to medium heat until pasta is cooked al dente.
4. Meanwhile, in a large skillet, heat up the remaining oil and saute the red chili flakes and onion until just starting to turn golden and fragrant. Dump in the chickpea and broccoli mixture. Combine. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the liquid and add into the skillet. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and toss until everything is coated. Serve in deep bowls and top with some more cheese if you want.
* Dude, don’t even ask me what honeymoon status is except that it sounds pretty damn wonderful. And it also probably means that I need a vacation, pronto!
I’ve never tried chickpeas with pasta but this looks delicious. The first photo is outstanding!
Shazam! :D :D
Gotta love those chickpeas. Never a lowly legume in my book. They are so versatile and delish.
I’ve just consulted with the Gods on Mt. Olympus and they all agree – the chickpea is the official sacred food of the Gods ;)
That’s a great way to combine broccoli and chickpeas in one recipe. I usually find broccoli hanging out in my fridge that has to be used…
stepanie, chickpeas and pasta is an epiphany! it’s that good.
indeed, joanne!
liberalfoodie, i was surprised that this meal was so outstanding considering that the ingredients were just about forgotten things in the fridge.
Will try as I rapidly try to deplete the cupboard before moving. Course.. that didn’t stop me from buying something for dinner today but … shhh! :)
Looks yummy! And I love the first photo.
Love the blog!
I have yet to find a recipe including chickpeas that I don’t like, and if you add broccoli to it? Even better. I never tire of chickpeas, or broccoli for that matter.
looks great! chickpeas rule! like someone else here said, they are so versatile & taste great.
helios, it’s tough to empty out cupboards before a move. good luck and i won’t berate you for getting new groceries!
thanks caty! our new place has so much natural light that all my latest photos are looking sweet.
thank you judy! even though i never tire of these ingredients either, they combine beautifully here into something totally awesome.
whooo cerealia, another chickpea lover!
I first discovered chickpeas making hummus. Now I’m delighted to find new ways to use them. With the lemon and garlic and broccoli, this dish sounds like it has a big, bright taste.
this is one of our most favourite meals!! i’ve always meant to post it.
Love you, love your blog!!!
Made this tonight. Quick – delicious – easy to adjust for the future – springy – a new staple in my household. Thanks for sharing! :) MMMMmmmmmmmmmm.
terry b, it most certainly is bright tasting! so good.
robina, i’m so glad that i’ve now discovered it because it’s sure to be a favorite in our house now!
awww shucks, caroline! thank you!
thanks helios, i feel the exact same way.
I made this tonight…it was very delicious and flavourful :)
Happy to have leftovers tomorrow.