One-Pot Rice and Veggies with Chickpeas & Dilly Tahini

One-Pot Rice and Veggies with Chickpeas & Dilly Tahini

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds and nourish your body with this vibrant One-Pot Rice and Veggies with Chickpeas & Dilly Tahini! This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a powerhouse of nutrients that will leave you feeling satisfied and energized. Packed with colorful vegetables, protein-rich chickpeas, and aromatic herbs, this meal is perfect for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle while enjoying delicious food.

The combination of ingredients in this recipe offers numerous benefits for your skin, hair, and overall well-being. The chickpeas provide a good source of protein and fiber, which help keep you feeling full and support digestive health. The variety of vegetables offers a range of vitamins and antioxidants that promote glowing skin and strong hair. The tahini dressing adds healthy fats and minerals like calcium and iron, which are essential for maintaining strong bones and preventing anemia.

Let’s dive into this nourishing and flavorful recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your healthy eating routine!

Nutritional Information

This recipe contains several ingredients that benefit skin health, hair health, and the immune system. Here’s a breakdown of some key components and their benefits:

Brown rice:

    • Rich in B vitamins, which support skin and hair health by promoting cell growth and renewal
    • Contains selenium, an antioxidant that helps protect skin from oxidative stress

    Chickpeas:

      • High in protein, essential for hair growth and skin repair
      • Contain zinc, which aids in collagen production and supports immune function

      Bell peppers:

        • Excellent source of vitamin C, which boosts collagen production for skin elasticity and strengthens the immune system
        • Contain beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A, supporting skin cell turnover

        Zucchini:

          • High in vitamin C and antioxidants, protecting skin from free radical damage
          • Contains vitamin B6, supporting immune function and hair health

          Tomatoes:

            • Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that protects skin from UV damage
            • Contain vitamin C, supporting collagen production and immune function

            Olive oil:

              • Rich in vitamin E and healthy fats, moisturizing skin and promoting hair health
              • Contains antioxidants that protect skin from oxidative stress

              Tahini:

                • High in healthy fats and vitamin E, supporting skin hydration and hair health
                • Contains zinc, which aids in skin healing and immune function

                Lemon juice:

                  • Rich in vitamin C, supporting collagen production and immune function
                  • Contains citric acid, which can help exfoliate skin and promote a healthy pH balance

                  Dill:

                    • Contains flavonoids with antioxidant properties, protecting skin from free radical damage
                    • Rich in vitamin C, supporting immune function and collagen production

                    Scientific explanations:

                    Antioxidants (found in many ingredients) neutralize free radicals, which can damage skin cells and accelerate aging. This protection helps maintain skin health and appearance.

                    Vitamins C and E work synergistically to protect skin from UV damage and support collagen production, which is crucial for skin elasticity and wound healing.

                    B vitamins play a vital role in cell metabolism and energy production, supporting the rapid cell turnover in skin and hair follicles.

                    Zinc is essential for protein synthesis and cell division, making it crucial for hair growth and skin repair. It also plays a role in immune function by supporting the development and function of immune cells.

                    Healthy fats, like those found in olive oil and tahini, support the skin’s lipid barrier, helping to maintain hydration and protect against environmental stressors.

                    Vitamin A (from beta-carotene) is essential for skin cell turnover and regulation of sebum production, which can help maintain clear, healthy skin.

                      By combining these nutrient-rich ingredients, this recipe provides a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that work together to support skin health, hair growth, and immune function.

                      Based on the recipe provided, here’s a detailed nutritional breakdown for one serving of the One-Pot Rice and Veggies with Chickpeas & Dilly Tahini. This analysis assumes the recipe serves 4 people.

                      Nutritional Breakdown (per serving):

                      Calories: Approximately 450-500 kcal

                      Macronutrients:

                      • Protein: 15-18g
                      • Carbohydrates: 65-70g
                      • Fiber: 10-12g
                      • Fat: 18-20g (mostly healthy unsaturated fats from olive oil and tahini)

                      Vitamins and Minerals:

                      • Vitamin A: 1500-2000 IU (from bell pepper, zucchini, and parsley)
                      • Vitamin C: 60-80mg (primarily from bell pepper and tomatoes)
                      • Vitamin K: 50-70μg (from parsley and zucchini)
                      • Folate: 100-120μg (from chickpeas and vegetables)
                      • Vitamin B6: 0.5-0.7mg (from chickpeas and brown rice)
                      • Thiamin (B1): 0.3-0.4mg (from brown rice and chickpeas)
                      • Niacin (B3): 3-4mg (from brown rice and chickpeas)
                      • Vitamin E: 3-4mg (from olive oil and tahini)
                      • Iron: 3-4mg (from chickpeas, brown rice, and tahini)
                      • Magnesium: 100-120mg (from brown rice, chickpeas, and tahini)
                      • Phosphorus: 250-300mg (from chickpeas and brown rice)
                      • Potassium: 600-700mg (from various vegetables and chickpeas)
                      • Zinc: 2-3mg (from chickpeas and brown rice)
                      • Manganese: 1.5-2mg (from brown rice and chickpeas)
                      • Copper: 0.4-0.5mg (from chickpeas and tahini)
                      • Selenium: 15-20μg (from brown rice)
                      • Calcium: 80-100mg (primarily from tahini and vegetables)

                      Other beneficial compounds:

                      • Lycopene: 2-3mg (from tomatoes)
                      • Beta-carotene: 1-2mg (from bell pepper and parsley)
                      • Various antioxidants from the colorful vegetables and herbs

                      This meal is particularly high in fiber, which aids digestion and promotes feelings of fullness. It’s also rich in plant-based proteins from the chickpeas and brown rice. The combination of vegetables provides a wide array of vitamins and minerals, supporting overall health and immune function. The healthy fats from olive oil and tahini contribute to nutrient absorption and provide essential fatty acids.

                      Please note that these values are estimates and may vary slightly based on specific brands of ingredients used and exact portion sizes.

                      One-Pot Rice and Veggies with Chickpeas & Dilly Tahini

                      Course: Lunch, DinnerCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy
                      Servings

                      4

                      servings
                      Prep time

                      15

                      minutes
                      Cooking time

                      35

                      minutes
                      Calories

                      350

                      kcal

                      This One-Pot Rice and Veggies with Chickpeas & Dilly Tahini is a symphony of flavors and textures that will dance on your taste buds. The nutty brown rice, tender vegetables, and protein-packed chickpeas create a satisfying base, while the aromatic spices add depth and warmth to every bite. The crowning glory is the creamy, tangy Dilly Tahini sauce, which brings a refreshing zing that ties all the elements together into a truly irresistible meal.

                      Ingredients

                      • 1 cup brown rice

                      • 2 cups vegetable broth

                      • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed

                      • 1 red bell pepper, diced

                      • 1 zucchini, diced

                      • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

                      • 1 small red onion, diced

                      • 2 cloves garlic, minced

                      • 1 tsp ground cumin

                      • 1 tsp paprika

                      • 2 tbsp olive oil

                      • Salt and pepper to taste

                      • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

                      • For the Dilly Tahini:
                      • 1/4 cup tahini

                      • 2 tbsp lemon juice

                      • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

                      • 1 clove garlic, minced

                      • 2-3 tbsp water

                      • Salt to taste

                      Directions

                      • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
                      • Add the brown rice, cumin, and paprika to the pot. Stir to coat the rice with the spices and oil.
                      • Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
                      • Add the diced bell pepper, zucchini, and chickpeas to the pot. Stir gently, cover, and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
                      • While the rice is cooking, prepare the Dilly Tahini sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, chopped dill, minced garlic, and water until smooth. Add salt to taste.
                      • Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from heat and gently fold in the cherry tomatoes and chopped parsley.
                      • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
                      • Serve the rice and veggie mixture in bowls, drizzle with the Dilly Tahini sauce, and enjoy your nutritious and delicious meal!

                      Tips:

                      • For perfectly cooked rice, resist the urge to lift the lid while it’s simmering; this helps maintain consistent heat and steam, ensuring evenly cooked grains.
                        To enhance the flavor profile, toast the cumin and paprika in the oil for about 30 seconds before adding the rice, which will release their aromatic oils and create a more robust taste.
                        When preparing the Dilly Tahini sauce, start with less water and gradually add more until you reach your desired consistency; this allows you to control the thickness and prevents it from becoming too runny.

                      This One-Pot Rice and Veggies with Chickpeas & Dilly Tahini is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a gift to your body. The combination of whole grains, legumes, and fresh vegetables provides a balanced meal that will keep you satisfied and energized throughout the day. Enjoy this colorful and flavorful dish as part of your healthy lifestyle!

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