Roasted Chickpea Tacos {Yum.}

The other night, my best friend Lindsay, came over for dinner and to watch the Bachelor. Girl time while watching the Bachelor is probably one of my favorite things. We always enjoy having Lindsay over because she was my roommate for 8 years {impressive, huh?!} and also lived with Billy and I for a while. When we lived together, we referred to the 3 of us as our small {maybe somewhat disfunctional} little family, so she always holds a special place in my heart. When we lived together, we would have taco nights. Anyways, since I've become a vegetarian..ahem, pescatarian, Lindsay is open to trying my meatless recipes (gotta love her) and told me that I could cook whatever I wanted for her this week.

I knew I wanted to make roasted chickpea tacos. I have had this recipe in the back of my head for weeks now, and this was the best opportunity to make them! My hope was that if they turned out as yummy as they look, that Lindsay would want to make them at home to have a meatless dinner.

..and it was a success, my friends.

She loved them.

We loved them.

...so go on and tell me, who needs meat for tacos?!

Roasted Chickpea Tacos

I followed this recipe from two peas & their pod, but made them more like tacos and put them in hard taco shells, instead of tortillas. I didn't use mushrooms like the recipe suggests, but you can if you like them. :)

Ingredients:

To make the Roasted Chickpeas:

2 teaspoons chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons water
1 (15 oz.) can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed

For the Tacos:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
3 bell peppers, sliced (I just used red)
8 ounces sliced mushrooms (no, thank you)
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Juice of 1 large lime
1/3 cup chopped cilantro

For serving:
Hard Taco shells (I used yellow corn ones)
Diced tomatoes
Avocado slices
Plain Greek yogurt (I used FAGE) or sour cream

Spinach (or lettuce for your significant other if he's anything like mine)
Lime wedges

*as you can see, I decided not to cook the onions or peppers in the skillet. You can do it either way.

 

Directions:

1. To roast the chickpeas: preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl, combine chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, lime juice and water. Stir in chickpeas. Place seasoned chickpeas on a baking sheet that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Bake for 25-30 minutes, stirring once during cooking, until chickpeas are slightly crispy.

2. While the chickpeas are roasting, in a large skillet, heat oil over medium high heat. Add onions, garlic, peppers, and mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes. {or, skip this step and just serve all the toppings on the side like I did.}

3. In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and lime juice.

 Pour mixture over vegetables and cook for another 5 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Stir in the roasted chickpeas and fresh cilantro.

4. Spoon roasted chickpea and vegetable mixture evenly down into the taco shell, and garnish with tomatoes, avocado slices, cheese (just a pinch), and Greek yogurt. Serve!

Things to Mention:

-I will be making these often. very..often.

-Definitely use the lime. It adds a refreshing taste to the tacos!

-Many people don't like regular chickpeas. If you are one of these people, at least try roasting them because they are full of flavor and not as bland.

-In my mind, pretty bowls are mandatory. If you like the presentation, you'll enjoy the food more. Is that just me?!

-Roasted chickpeas are wonderful as a snack by themselves or on top of salads. I doubled the ingredients and used 2 cans of chickpeas when roasting them so I could have leftovers. I've since had two spinach salads with them on top for an easy, but healthy lunch. So delish.

I love recipes that you can use the leftovers

in a different meal.

Enjoy!

Have you made Roasted Chickpeas before?

If not, here's your chance :)

I push you to challenge yourself your taste buds

and try something different!