Chickpea Quinoa Protein Bowl

Protein-packed Chickpea Quinoa Bowls are loaded with flavor, ideal for meal prep and are easily made in just 20 minutes! It is the perfect hearty base for many meal prep variations.

Ingredients (Serves 6)
1 cup uncooked quinoa
2 cups vegetable broth
1 Tbsp vomFASS Herbes de Provence Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
½ tsp red pepper flakes, or more if you like a lot of heat!
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
1 medium shallot, finely diced
6 Tbsp raw almonds, coarsely chopped|
2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

Calamansi Sesame Dressing
¼ cup tahini (sesame paste)
1 Tbsp vomFASS Calamansi Balsam Vinegar
2 Tbsp vomFASS Lemon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 clove garlic
2 tsp maple syrup
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp salt + cracked black pepper
3 Tbsp water, or more depending on the consistency

Directions
To make quinoa, rinse and soak for about 10 minutes in warm water. Bring 2 cups of vegetable broth to a boil in a small saucepan, drain quinoa and add to boiling broth.
Cover and reduce heat to a simmer, cooking for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Turn off heat and allow quinoa to sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork; set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, about 3 minutes.
Add the chickpeas and the spices, stirring to combine. 
Cover the pan and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
To make the dressing, combine all the ingredients in a blender (or you could whisk all the ingredients together) and blend until smooth.
Add water one tablespoon at a time until you get the desired consistency.
To assemble the bowls, spoon about a 1/2 cup of quinoa in a bowl along with a heaping 1/2 cup of the chickpea mixture, sprinkle with chopped almonds, shallot, and cilantro and drizzle with Calamansi Sesame Dressing.

Variations:

Leafy greens, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, extra cilantro and lemon slices (with Calamansi Sesame Dressing)

Grilled Veggies, crumbled feta cheese, olives (with vomFASS Basil Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Palomino Riserva Sherry Vinegar)

Cooked chicken breast (with vomFASS Rosemary Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Date Balsamic Star Dressing)

Grilled Salmon and Green Beans (with vomFASS Ginger Sesame Oil and Winter Orange Balsamic Star)

Meal Prep Magic