the garbanzo triumphs: broccoli & chickpea pasta


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!

* 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!

17 comments to “the garbanzo triumphs: broccoli & chickpea pasta”

  1. 1
    S.   April 17, 2007 at 10:33 pm

    I’ve never tried chickpeas with pasta but this looks delicious. The first photo is outstanding!

  2. 2
    Joanne   April 17, 2007 at 10:38 pm

    Shazam! 😀 😀
    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 😉

  3. 3
    liberal foodie   April 18, 2007 at 5:48 am

    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…

  4. 4
    kickpleat   April 18, 2007 at 2:32 pm

    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.

  5. 5
    Helios   April 18, 2007 at 4:51 pm

    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! 🙂

  6. 6
    Caty   April 19, 2007 at 2:30 pm

    Looks yummy! And I love the first photo.

  7. 7
    Judy   April 19, 2007 at 6:42 pm

    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.

  8. 8
    cerealia   April 20, 2007 at 10:23 am

    looks great! chickpeas rule! like someone else here said, they are so versatile & taste great.

  9. 9
    kickpleat   April 20, 2007 at 10:33 am

    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!

  10. 10
    Terry B   April 20, 2007 at 1:44 pm

    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.

  11. 11
    robina   April 20, 2007 at 10:05 pm

    this is one of our most favourite meals!! i’ve always meant to post it.

  12. 12
    Caroline   April 22, 2007 at 9:48 pm

    Love you, love your blog!!!

  13. 13
    Helios   April 25, 2007 at 7:51 pm

    Made this tonight. Quick – delicious – easy to adjust for the future – springy – a new staple in my household. Thanks for sharing! 🙂 MMMMmmmmmmmmmm.

  14. 14
    kickpleat   April 27, 2007 at 8:05 am

    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.

  15. 15
    DC   August 14, 2010 at 11:13 pm

    I made this tonight…it was very delicious and flavourful 🙂
    Happy to have leftovers tomorrow.

  16. 16
    Christina   August 20, 2012 at 5:48 pm

    I just made this for dinner and it was a party in my mouth, I can’t wait for my leftovers for lunch tomorrow.

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