Chickpea Tacos
These Chickpea Tacos are a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make vegetarian dish perfect for quick weeknight meals. Packed with protein-rich chickpeas seasoned with smoky spices and topped with crisp vegetables and optional creamy extras, they offer a satisfying, wholesome twist on traditional tacos that’s vegan and gluten-free when using corn tortillas.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Vegan
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh Toppings
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Diced red onion
- Sliced avocado (optional)
Base & Extras
- Soft corn or flour tortillas
- Fresh lime juice, to taste
- Optional toppings: salsa, vegan sour cream, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese or dairy-free alternative, chopped cilantro or parsley
- Prepare the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse canned chickpeas thoroughly. Pat them dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to help achieve a crispy texture when cooked.
- Season the Chickpeas: In a bowl, toss the dried chickpeas with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure they are evenly coated with the spice mixture.
- Cook the Chickpeas: Heat a skillet over medium heat and sauté the seasoned chickpeas until they develop a golden crust, about 8 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to cook evenly and avoid burning.
- Prepare Tortillas and Toppings: While chickpeas are cooking, warm tortillas on a dry pan or over a flame until soft and pliable. Chop and prepare fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and avocado.
- Assemble the Tacos: Fill each warm tortilla with a generous scoop of spiced chickpeas. Add desired toppings, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and optional extras such as salsa or vegan sour cream. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Pat dry chickpeas thoroughly to help them crisp instead of steaming in the pan.
- Optional: Toast spices in a dry skillet before mixing to enhance their aroma and flavor.
- Warm tortillas properly to prevent cracking and improve flexibility.
- Cook chickpeas in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding and maintain crispiness.
- Always use fresh lime juice for the best bright and tangy flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: chickpea tacos, vegetarian tacos, vegan tacos, gluten free tacos, quick taco recipe, plant-based meal