Delicious Vegan Sweet & Sour Chickpeas: A Flavorful Delight

Introduction:

Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine with this delectable Vegan Sweet & Sour Chickpeas recipe. Bursting with tangy sweetness and savory goodness, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the steps to create this mouthwatering dish, providing detailed instructions, nutritional information, and Smart WW Points to help you stay on track with your wellness goals while enjoying a flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

For the Sweet & Sour Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon minced ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup water

For the Chickpeas:

  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or canned)
  • Cooked rice, for serving
  • Green onions, for garnish
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Sweet & Sour Sauce:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, ketchup, maple syrup, cornstarch, sesame oil, minced ginger, minced garlic, and water until well combined. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Chickpeas:
    • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the Chickpeas:
    • Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the skillet with the cooked onion and bell pepper. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the chickpeas are slightly browned and crispy.
  4. Pour in the Sauce:
    • Pour the prepared sweet & sour sauce over the chickpeas and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to coat everything evenly.
  5. Add Pineapple Chunks:
    • Gently fold in the pineapple chunks, distributing them evenly throughout the skillet.
  6. Simmer and Thicken:
    • Allow the mixture to simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
  7. Serve:
    • Serve the sweet & sour chickpeas over cooked rice, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and texture.

Nutritional Information:

  • Serving Size: 1 cup of sweet & sour chickpeas (without rice)
  • Calories: 280
  • Total Fat: 5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Dietary Fiber: 8g
  • Sugars: 20g
  • Protein: 9g

Smart WW Points:

  • Each serving of Vegan Sweet & Sour Chickpeas (without rice) is approximately 7 Smart WW Points, based on the ingredients used and serving size.

Conclusion:

With its irresistible combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, these Vegan Sweet & Sour Chickpeas are a delightful addition to any meal. Whether enjoyed as a main dish or served as a side, this dish is sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike. Treat yourself to a taste of Asian-inspired cuisine with this simple yet flavorful recipe!