Title: Baked Sweet & Sour Chickpeas

Introduction: Experience the tantalizing flavors of our Baked Sweet & Sour Chickpeas—a delightful vegan twist on the classic sweet and sour chicken dish. Made with wholesome ingredients and bursting with savory-sweet goodness, these chickpeas are sure to satisfy your cravings without compromising your plant-based lifestyle. Join us as we guide you through the simple steps to create this delectable dish, complete with insightful nutritional information to support your vegan journey.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pineapple chunks
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • Cooked rice or quinoa, for serving

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the tomato paste, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, cornstarch, minced ginger, and minced garlic until well combined.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas with the chopped bell peppers and pineapple chunks.
  4. Pour the sweet and sour sauce mixture over the chickpeas and vegetables. Stir well to ensure that everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
  5. Transfer the coated chickpeas and vegetables onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading them out into an even layer.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chickpeas are crispy and the sauce has thickened, stirring halfway through the baking time for even cooking.
  7. Once baked, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the sweet and sour chickpeas cool slightly.
  8. Serve the Baked Sweet & Sour Chickpeas over cooked rice or quinoa, garnished with sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.

Enjoy the delightful flavors of our Baked Sweet & Sour Chickpeas, a satisfying and nutritious vegan alternative to the classic dish. With its wholesome ingredients and irresistible taste, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your plant-based repertoire.