Go Back
+ servings
Brown Rice Bowl with Broccoli, Chickpeas and Carrot

Brown Rice Bowl with Sautéed Broccoli, Carrots & Chickpeas

The brown rice bowl with sautéed broccoli, carrots, and chickpeas is a meal that doesn’t feel heavy, doesn’t demand effort, and yet leaves you genuinely satisfied. It’s simple food, but it carries a sense of balance that your body immediately recognizes.
As the broccoli softens in the pan and the carrots release their gentle sweetness, the kitchen fills with the aroma of garlic warming in olive oil. It’s not loud or overpowering, just enough to make you pause and breathe in. The chickpeas turn lightly golden at the edges, adding that subtle bite that makes every spoonful more interesting. When everything comes together over the nutty warmth of brown rice and finishes with a squeeze of lemon, the bowl suddenly feels alive 🫀bright, grounding, and deeply comforting all at once.
What makes this dish special isn’t just how it tastes, but how it makes you feel afterward. You feel full, but not sluggish. Energized, but not restless. The fiber from the vegetables and chickpeas settles your digestion, the whole grain keeps your energy steady, and the olive oil adds just enough richness to keep cravings quiet. It’s a meal that supports you quietly in the background while letting you enjoy every bite in the moment.
This bowl is a reminder that eating well doesn’t require complexity, only intention. You can eat generously, enjoy real flavor, and still stay aligned with your health goals. It’s everyday food at its best; honest, satisfying, and perfectly in tune with the spirit of Feast Big; Stay Fit.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Healthy One-Bowl Meal, Light Dinner, Lunch Bowl, Main Course, Meal Prep Bowl, Plant-Based Meal
Cuisine: American Healthy, Contemporary Wellness Cuisine, Fusion Plant-Based, Global Healthy Cuisine, Mediterranean-Inspired
Calories: 830kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup brown rice
  • 3 cup broccoli florets
  • 1 cup carrots chopped or shredded
  • 15 oz chickpeas rinsed & drained (1 can)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp garlic minced
  • 2 pinch Salt or as per taste
  • 2 pinch Black pepper or as per taste
  • 2 tsp Fresh lemon juice or as per to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Bowl
  • 1 Pan
  • 1 Spatula
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Brown Rice Bowl with Sautéed Broccoli, Carrots & Chickpeas
Amount per Serving
Calories
830
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
16
g
25
%
Saturated Fat
 
2
g
13
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
4
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
7
g
Sodium
 
147
mg
6
%
Potassium
 
1519
mg
43
%
Carbohydrates
 
147
g
49
%
Fiber
 
25
g
104
%
Sugar
 
16
g
18
%
Protein
 
30
g
60
%
Vitamin A
 
11601
IU
232
%
Vitamin C
 
130
mg
158
%
Calcium
 
223
mg
22
%
Iron
 
9
mg
50
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Cooking Intructions
 

  1. Cook 1 cup of brown rice in 2 cups of water to get 2 cups of cooked brown rice. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.
    1 cup brown rice
  2. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat.
    1 tbsp olive oil
  3. Add Broccoli florets, chopped carrots and sauté for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften but still remain vibrant and slightly crisp.
    3 cup broccoli florets, 1 cup carrots
  4. Add Rinsed chickpeas, Minced garlic, Salt & black pepper into the pan and cook for another 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until Chickpeas are heated through, Garlic is fragrant and Vegetables are tender-crisp.
    15 oz chickpeas, ½ tsp garlic, 2 pinch Salt, 2 pinch Black pepper
  5. Divide the warm brown rice between two serving bowls. Top generously with the sautéed broccoli, carrots, and chickpeas.
  6. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the bowls just before serving for brightness and improved digestion.
    2 tsp Fresh lemon juice

Notes

1️⃣ Make It Extra Flavorful

Boost flavor without extra calories by adding:
  • ½ tsp cumin powder
  • ¼ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp black pepper + chili flakes
  • ¼ tsp turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits
  • A dash of soy sauce or tamari (if sodium allows)

2️⃣ Chickpea Texture Tip

  • For crispy chickpeas: sauté them separately for 3–4 minutes before adding vegetables.
  • This gives a roasted texture without oven baking.

3️⃣ Vegetable Swaps

You can rotate vegetables based on availability:

  • Zucchini

  • Bell peppers

  • Green beans

  • Cauliflower

  • Spinach (add at the end)

4️⃣ Make It Low-Carb or Keto-Style

Swap brown rice with:
  • Cauliflower rice
  • Zucchini noodles
  • Shirataki rice
This keeps the dish very diabetes-friendly and weight-loss focused.

5️⃣ Meal-Prep Friendly

  • Stores well for 2–3 days in the refrigerator.
  • Keep rice and vegetables separate for best texture.
  • Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water.

6️⃣ Add Healthy Crunch

Top with:
  • Toasted pumpkin seeds
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Crushed peanuts or almonds (very small quantity)

7️⃣ Protein Boost Options

For higher protein:
  • Add grilled tofu or paneer
  • Add tempeh
  • Add lentils (¼ cup per serving)

8️⃣ Don’t Skip the Lemon

Lemon:
  • Enhances mineral absorption
  • Supports liver enzymes
  • Brightens the overall flavor
 It’s the finishing touch that makes the bowl feel fresh.

9️⃣ Spice Adjust for Sensitive Stomachs

If prone to acidity:
  • Skip chili flakes
  • Limit black pepper
  • Increase cumin and turmeric instead

👍 Tried this recipe? 🍽️

Let us know how it was!
QR Code linking back to recipe