Creamy Tomato Rice & Garlic 'Butter' Roasted Chickpeas

First of all, HAPPY HOLIDAYS everyone!!! :) *tomorrowisChristmas!!!*

Here's a nice quote for you all:

"Christmas is not so much as opening presents, as opening our hearts!"

So, the story behind this dish...

I actually wanted to make this with pasta noodles BUT I only realised I'm out of pasta after I started making the sauce hahah, so I ended up using rice instead! And it turned out pretty good! ;)

And the chickpeas! Aaah, I think roasting is the best way to cook chickpeas! I also have another recipe for roasted chickpeas here.

Recipe:

For the Creamy Tomato Rice:

• around 3 c cooked rice *cooked from 1 c dry rice* (white/brown/red rice, up to you!)
• 1-2 c boiled/steamed vegetables of your choice (I used broccoli as usual haha)
• 1 medium/small onion, finely chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1 tbsp coconut sugar
• 1 c canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional but adds more flavour)
• salt & pepper, to taste

For the Garlic 'Butter' Roasted Chickpeas:

• 1 can chickpeas, drained & rinsed, pat dry with a paper towel
• 1-2 tbsp vegan butter
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (add more/less to taste)
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika powder (add more/less to taste)
• salt & pepper, to taste

Method:

For the Creamy Tomato Rice:

1. Heat some olive oil in a pan over medium high heat (you can skip the oil *but must use a non-stick pan* if you wish, I think the olive oil gives a better flavour though).
2. Add in the onion & garlic, stir fry until fragrant and a bit browned. Add in the tomato paste & coconut sugar, stir until evenly mixed.
3. Add in the crushed tomatoes, mix, simmer for a few minutes.
4. Add in the rice & veggies, stir until evenly mixed. Mix in dried basil, salt & pepper.

For the Garlic 'Butter' Roasted Chickpeas:

1. Preheat the oven to 200 Celsius. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix together all the ingredients, until the chickpeas are evenly coated with the seasonings.
3. Put the chickpeas on the tray, shake the tray to distribute it evenly.
4. Cook in the oven for around 15 minutes (cooking time may differ depending on your oven), check it every once in a while. It's done when it's golden brown & crisp on the outside.