Sweet Chili-Lime Chickpeas Over Coconut Rice



This recipe is for the days when you need something bright—something that wakes up your taste buds and doesn’t ask too much in return. These sweet chili-lime chickpeas are flavor-packed, low-glycemic, and satisfyingly sticky. Piled over creamy coconut rice, they hit all the right sensory notes: crispy, soft, tangy, and just a little sweet.

It’s comfort food—but with a twist. And it's friendly for both low-spoon days and adventurous palates.

The Chickpeas

Ingredients:

  • 1 (15 oz) can chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry

  • 1 tbsp avocado or olive oil

  • 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce (store-bought or homemade)

  • Zest of 1 lime

  • Juice of 1/2 lime

  • 1 tsp tamari or soy sauce

  • Pinch of garlic powder

  • Optional: pinch of chili flakes or cayenne if you like heat

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (or air fryer to 400°F).

  2. Toss chickpeas with oil and roast for 20–25 minutes until golden and crispy, shaking once halfway through. In an air fryer, start checking around the 15-minute mark.

  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the chili sauce, lime zest, lime juice, tamari, garlic powder, and chili flakes if using.

  4. Remove chickpeas from the oven and immediately toss with the sauce while still hot. Let them sit for 2–3 minutes to soak up flavor.

The Coconut Rice

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup jasmine or basmati rice, rinsed

  • 1 cup water

  • 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (shaken)

  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions:

  1. Combine rice, water, coconut milk, and salt in a saucepan.

  2. Bring to a simmer, cover, and reduce heat to low.

  3. Cook 15 minutes or until the liquid is absorbed. Let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.

  4. Fluff with a fork.

To Serve:

  • Spoon warm coconut rice into bowls.

  • Top generously with chili-lime chickpeas.

  • Garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced scallions, or toasted sesame seeds if you have them.

  • Extra squeeze of lime never hurts.

Why This Recipe Works

This dish is:

  • Low-lift but feels like a treat

  • Protein-rich and naturally dairy-free

  • Customizable—swap chickpeas for white beans, or use quinoa instead of rice

  • Flavor-forward without added sugar spikes

You don’t have to eat boring to eat well. Real food can be simple, joyful, and crave-worthy. And yes—this one reheats like a dream.

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