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Harissa Chickpeas With Turmeric Rice recipe

Harissa Chickpeas with Turmeric Rice 2026

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A bold, aromatic North African-inspired dish that combines tender chickpeas in a spiced harissa sauce with fragrant golden turmeric rice. This recipe delivers warm spices, smoky depth, and satisfying plant-based protein.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) Canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 3 tablespoons Harissa paste
  • 1.5 cups Long-grain white rice
  • 1 teaspoon Ground turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
  • 3 cups Vegetable broth
  • 1 large Onion, diced
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons Olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh Lime juice
  • 1/2 cup chopped Fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup Pomegranate arils (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare ingredients: dice onion, mince garlic, drain and rinse chickpeas, measure spices, squeeze lime juice, and chop cilantro.
  2. Heat three tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat for one minute.
  3. Add diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for four to five minutes until slightly softened.
  4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for one minute until fragrant.
  5. Add three tablespoons of harissa paste and stir constantly for two minutes to bloom the spices.
  6. Pour in three cups of vegetable broth slowly while stirring to combine harissa evenly.
  7. Pour one and a half cups of long-grain rice into the harissa broth.
  8. Add one teaspoon of turmeric, one teaspoon of cumin, and one-half teaspoon of paprika.
  9. Stir well to distribute spices throughout the rice evenly.
  10. Add one teaspoon of salt and one-half teaspoon of black pepper.
  11. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  12. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover with a tight-fitting lid.
  13. Simmer for fifteen to eighteen minutes without lifting the lid.
  14. Stir the pot carefully and check that rice is nearly tender.
  15. Add the drained chickpeas to the rice and harissa mixture.
  16. Stir gently to distribute chickpeas evenly throughout.
  17. Cover and cook for three to four minutes until chickpeas are heated through.
  18. Remove from heat and let stand covered for five minutes.
  19. Fluff with a fork to separate rice grains.
  20. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and stir gently.
  21. Divide evenly among serving bowls, scatter fresh chopped cilantro generously, add pomegranate arils if using, and serve immediately.

Notes

Chef Tips: Toast cumin and paprika in oil for thirty seconds before adding onions to deepen flavor complexity. Adjust harissa paste quantity based on heat preference. Do not lift the lid while rice cooks to maintain proper steam. Choose high quality turmeric for bright flavor and earthiness. Lime juice brightens and counterbalances the heat. Drain chickpeas completely to avoid diluting the sauce. Storage: Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days or freeze for 2 to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.

  • Author: Sabella
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: One Pot
  • Cuisine: North African
  • Diet: Vegan

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 385 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 680 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Fiber: 8 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg