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Chickpea and Veggie Fried Rice

in Entrees, Recipes

A super simple fried rice recipe that is gluten-free and chicken-free, but is certainly not skimping on flavor!

Chickpea Veggie Fried Rice 6Last week I mentioned that I recently made the decision to try out a gluten-free diet.  I have been working with a functional medicine center for the past month, and in speaking with my nurse practitioner and reviewing my blood work and health history, we decided it would be worth a shot.  I promise that I will share more of an in-depth explanation of this decision and an update on my health in a post this Thursday (I have another appointment this evening that I want to attend before I write that post), but for now it is important that I preface the fact that you will be seeing a lot of gluten-free recipes here in Clean Eating Veggie Girl land… at least for the time being.  I have already shared a couple recently, and there are plenty more to come.  But don’t worry.  I promise that they will all still be easy, healthy, mostly plant-based, and delicious!

Chickpea Veggie Fried Rice 2When you suddenly jump from eating gluten one day and cutting it out completely the next, you find yourself in a bit of a state of confusion.  I have gotten used to being a label reader during my time as a vegetarian (now pescetarian) who follows a mostly plant-based diet, but now I am not just on the lookout for hidden animal products and dairy.  Instead, I am also on the lookout for any product that contains or may contain wheat, barley, or rye.  Let’s just say that it can all be a bit overwhelming.

Chickpea Veggie Fried Rice 5In an effort to ease my way into a gluten-free diet, I have decided that I need to get back to the basics.  I already know that meals do not have to be fancy or elaborate in order to be delicious.  I also know that some of the simplest ingredients can come together to create truly delicious meals.  So when I set out to create a meal plan for my first gluten-free week, I decided to whip up the simplest of recipes.

Chickpea Veggie Fried Rice 4This Chickpea and Veggie Fried Rice came about when I was thinking of what grains I could eat, as opposed to which grains I could not eat.  Positive thinking, right?  Whole brown rice seemed like the perfect grain to choose for a carby, yet gluten-free meal.  Of course rice can play a role in about a million different recipes.  But the first thing that came to mind for me was fried rice.

Chickpea Veggie Fried Rice 3I have almost (I say almost because I was a super picky child) always been a fan of chicken fried rice.  It contains carbs, a protein, veggies, and tons of flavor.  What’s not to love, right?  Now that I do not eat chicken, it’s been quite awhile since I have enjoyed a big ‘ole bowl of the fried goodness.  Of course you know that a little animal protein in a recipe never stops me from making a meal.  So instead of chicken, I have turned to my absolute favorite vegan chicken substitute: chickpeas!  And thus, this gluten-free, chicken-free fried rice came about.

Chickpea Veggie Fried Rice 7Chickpea and Veggie Fried Rice
Vegan + Gluten-Free

Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients

2 TB sesame oil
16 oz package of frozen stir-fry veggies (any variety you prefer)
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
3 TB Bragg’s Liquid Aminos (coconut aminos or certified gluten-free soy sauce also work)
2 TB seasoned rice wine vinegar
1/2 tsp garlic powder
15 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3 cups cooked whole brown rice*
1/4 cup green onions, diced

*It is best if you use leftover rice, though you can make it fresh if needed.  I cooked a batch in my rice cooker the night before I made this and refrigerated the rice until it was frying time.

Directions

1. Heat sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat until very hot.

2. Add frozen vegetables and green bell peppers to the wok.  Cover with a lid and cook for approximately 8 minutes.  Stir the vegetables halfway through to prevent sticking.

3. While the vegetables are cooking, combine the liquid aminos, seasoned rice wine vinegar, and garlic powder in a small bowl.  Wisk until well-combined.  Set aside.

4. Once the vegetables have cooked for 8 minutes, remove the lid and continue cooking an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until most of the moisture has evaporated.

5. Lower the heat to medium.  Stir in the chickpeas, rice, and, sauce.  Continue cooking for 3 to 5 minutes.

6. Add half of the green onions to the wok.  Lower the heat to medium-low and cook for an additional minute.

7. Garnish each bowl with remaining green onions.

Chickpea Veggie Fried RiceMy Chickpea and Veggie Fried Rice is gluten-free, chicken-free, and healthy, but it is also seriously delicious… not to toot my own horn or anything!

Chickpea Veggie Fried Rice 8Right now I may be a gluten-free, mostly plant-based eater, but that sure as heck doesn’t mean I’m not eating good food.  In fact, I only take those “limitations” as challenges.  I will keep making us all tasty eats!

Be sure to check back on Thursday for a full recap of my diet and health updates.

Do you have a favorite vegetarian recipe that is also gluten-free?  Please share the link in the comments!

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{ 42 comments… add one }
  • Farrah March 30, 2015, 5:51 am
    Yay! I've been meaning to make chickpea fried rice! It was gonna happen yesterday, but my friend and I had a huge lunch, so we were wayyyy too full to even think about making food for dinner. This looks super good! :]! Farrah recently posted...CompassionMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 30, 2015, 8:46 am
      It sounds like you definitely need to make it happen this week!! I hope you enjoy it :)
  • Madaline March 30, 2015, 7:27 am
    Making this! I was a vegetarian for about 13 years before I moved to Italy where I've been eating... well too much of everything! I'm trying to get my little family to eat healthier and this looks delish! Madaline recently posted...The Adventure of A Creature Of HabitMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 30, 2015, 8:48 am
      I hope you love it as much as I do, Madaline! I'd totally be eating A LOT if I were in Italy too ;)
  • Alissa Apel March 30, 2015, 8:03 am
    This looks yummy! I just tried the grain Freekeh this weekend. I wonder if this would work with that to? Nom Nom! Alissa Apel recently posted...#TheHobbit The Battle of The Five Armies Blu-ray #Giveaway!My Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 30, 2015, 8:54 am
      That's a great question, Alissa. I'm probably not much helped since I have never tried it, but it has an awesome name! Let me know if you try it :)
  • Alexis @ Hummusapien March 30, 2015, 8:23 am
    Clearly we both have rice (or quinoa) on the brain! I'm super excited to see how your gluten-free journey goes. This looks like the most perfect easy recipe!
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 30, 2015, 8:58 am
      Yes we sure do!! Great minds think a like! ;)
  • Jessica O'Neill March 30, 2015, 8:37 am
    Yumm!!! I've never thought to put chickpeas in veggie fried rice. Looks like a super tasty and nutrient packed addition. Nice change to the tofu I usually add, too :) Jessica O'Neill recently posted...uTalk Language Application Premium Giveaway!My Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 30, 2015, 12:16 pm
      You should definitely give it a try, Jessica! I'm a tofu lover, but I am a MAJOR chickpea lover. I think you will enjoy them in your next fried rice!
  • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine March 30, 2015, 9:45 am
    Mexican one day...Asian the next! Perfect ;)
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 30, 2015, 11:32 am
      I know, right? I try to keep my diet well-balanced ;)
  • Sam @ PancakeWarriors March 30, 2015, 10:24 am
    Yum this looks fantastic! I love the idea of vegan fried rice - perfect for spring! Sam @ PancakeWarriors recently posted...Fool Yourself Full with PistachiosMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 30, 2015, 11:34 am
      It is, isn't it? It's the perfect way to incorporate times of in-season veggies. I hope you give it a try :)
  • Erin March 30, 2015, 10:28 am
    Oh my goodness I just may have to make this for dinner this week! Erin recently posted...Introducing Glitter & Grits!My Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 30, 2015, 11:52 am
      You most definitely should!! Let me know if you do!
  • Miranda @ Miranda Writes Blog March 30, 2015, 10:57 am
    This is unrelated to the food but these pictures are so pretty! I love the bright, spring-y colors... Miranda @ Miranda Writes Blog recently posted...Spicy, Tangy Deviled EggsMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 30, 2015, 11:53 am
      Thanks so much, Miranda! I appreciate the kind words. I am alll about spring and bright colors right now, and I guess it is reflected in my food too :)
  • Kim @ Hungry Healthy Girl March 30, 2015, 11:50 am
    this looks so yummy! Love the use of chickpeas and liquid amino!
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 30, 2015, 12:14 pm
      Thank you Kim!! It is pretty darn delicious, though I might be biased ;)
  • Olivia Schwab March 30, 2015, 1:40 pm
    This seriously looks incredible! I'm for sure going to try this recipe! Thanks! Olivia Schwab recently posted...My Top 7 ListMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 30, 2015, 4:56 pm
      Thank you Olivia! I'd love for you to tell me what you think!
  • Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health March 30, 2015, 1:54 pm
    I can imagine transitioning to a gluten-free diet is very overwhelming, especially with all of the gimicky products out there that are void of nutrition. Meals like this are what eating a healthy GF diet is all about! It sounds so good!! Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health recently posted...Carrot Cake with Greek Yogurt and Cream Cheese FrostingMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 30, 2015, 5:00 pm
      You've got that right, Sarah! I am trying my best to get back to the basics of whole foods and stay away from a lot of the processed junk. GF bread is a definite must for me right now though.. maybe somebody I'll try making my own!
  • Erin @ Her Heartland Soul March 30, 2015, 2:51 pm
    Oh man I LOVE fried rice! Yummy!
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 30, 2015, 5:01 pm
      I know, right?? It's so delicious!!
  • Ashley March 30, 2015, 3:48 pm
    I cannot turn down any kind of fried rice! Love that you added the chickpeas! My sister had to all of a sudden switch to a gluten-free diet and I remember her being overwhelmed at first (now she's a total pro!). Ashley recently posted...Breakfast CalzonesMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 30, 2015, 5:02 pm
      I'm trying to remind myself that switching to vegetarian was a challenge at first, but now it's super easy for me. Hopefully I will soon feel the same way about GF!
  • Linda @ Veganosity March 30, 2015, 4:07 pm
    I only eat homemade fried rice. I find that restaurant fried rice is too greasy. This looks delicious!
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 30, 2015, 5:04 pm
      You are so right! Restaurant fried rice does get quite greasy and is normally too salty for my liking, too. Yay for homemade!
  • Debbie March 30, 2015, 5:31 pm
    This looks really good. I love fried rice. I could never go gluten free (well I could if I were celiac, but otherwise, no way!) when you've already given up animal products, who wants to give up more? Debbie recently posted...Recap: The Week in Training and LifeMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 30, 2015, 6:06 pm
      It is definitely SO tough, but I am hoping it helps my health. If it does, it will be so darn worth it!
  • Jamie March 30, 2015, 7:06 pm
    This looks so good! I like chickpeas and love rice...great combo! Jamie recently posted...Hashbrown Casserole….a Hearty TwistMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 30, 2015, 8:30 pm
      Well if you like both then you should most definitely give this a try! Let me know if you do :)
  • Dani @ DaniCaliforniaCooks March 30, 2015, 9:53 pm
    Some of my favorite vegetarian/gfree recipes are mexican-inspired - like black bean tacos. Or roasting up a bunch of veggies and tossing with quinoa and some nuts/feta. Dani @ DaniCaliforniaCooks recently posted...Five Flourless Dessert Ideas for PassoverMy Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 31, 2015, 9:40 am
      It is amazing how veg/gfree-friendly Mexican food can be. Maybe that is why I love it SO much!!
  • Rachael Abel @ Love Yourself Green March 30, 2015, 10:41 pm
    Mmmmm, I couldn't tell you how long the hubs and I have been talking about making fried rice! Course, we're grain free now, so we'll have to use cauli-rice, but it'll still be yummy! You inspired me - I think we need to do this next week, yo! xo Rachael Abel @ Love Yourself Green recently posted...Meet Your New Dairy Free Cheese Replacement {Oh… and a Roasted Cauliflower Recipe}My Profile
    • ClnEatingVegGrl March 31, 2015, 9:44 am
      I LOVE cauli rice and have used it to make fried "rice" before. I bet it would be delicious in this!
  • Kelly June 14, 2015, 8:00 am
    I made this last week and it was really good. I had it for dinner and then the next day for "brunch" on my break at work. Delicious!
    • ClnEatingVegGrl June 14, 2015, 8:17 am
      Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed it Kelly. It sounds like it would be delicious for "brunch" too. Good thinking!
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