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Cheap Vegan Meal Under a Dollar

A budget-friendly, delicious, and filling vegan meal that can be prepared in just 25 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Healthy, Vegan
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa Feel free to substitute with brown rice
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or your favorite cooking oil)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
Optional Toppings
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lemon wedges
  • Avocado slices For extra creaminess

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Once hot, add the chopped onion and bell pepper, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, and paprika. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn the garlic.
Cooking
  1. Add the drained chickpeas and cooked rice or quinoa to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well.
  2. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Once heated through, transfer your delicious meal to a serving dish.
  4. Add your desired toppings, such as fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lemon for zest, or creamy avocado slices for added richness.

Notes

Substitutions available for chickpeas; ensure to monitor heat during cooking.