Savory Autumn Chickpeas

Thanksgiving may not feel like the time to try new things. Many gatherings are steeped in tradition and the same dishes are served each year. However, we’d love to convince you to try a new side this year, and we think Savory Autumn Chickpeas would be a beautiful addition to your fall feast!

We don’t typically think of serving beans for Thanksgiving or Christmas, but we definitely should. They’re hearty, full of savory umami flavor, and packed with protein and nutrients. Use them to round out your plant based spread or sneak in some extra nutrition to an omni affair. Aromatic garlic and onion blend with thyme and sage to lift the humble garbanzo beans and make them sing in this delicious dish. Plus, it’s oil-free, comes together fast, and doesn’t use valuable oven space. It just might be a new family favorite.

Gather your ingredients 

Dried herbs: this is where the autumnal flavor comes from so don’t skip the herbs. If you’d rather use fresh, you can use 2¼ teaspoons fresh thyme and 1 teaspoon fresh sage. Pick the leaves from the stems and chop finely before measuring.

Vegan Worcestershire sauce: not all Worcestershire sauces are vegan, so be sure to check before purchasing. If you’re having trouble finding it locally, you can typically find it online. There are also vegan gluten-free versions available.

Let’s make Savory Autumn Chickpeas 

First, heat a high-sided skillet (large enough to fit everything) over medium heat for a few minutes. 

While that’s warming up, measure out your herbs and spices into a small bowl. Set aside.

Once your skillet is hot, add the onion, celery, and garlic. Saute for seven to eight minutes or until tender and semi-translucent. Add a splash of water and stir if things start to stick to the skillet.

Next, add the chickpeas, veggie broth, Worcestershire sauce, and the spice mix you set aside earlier.

Give everything a good stir and cover with a lid to simmer for about five minutes or until everything is heated through and smelling fragrant.

That’s it! Move to a serving dish and enjoy! It just might be the world’s fastest Thanksgiving recipe. 

Extra info and variations 

This recipe yields about 2 cups of Savory Autumn Chickpeas. That’ll serve 4-6 people as a side, but it doubles easily if you’re cooking for a crowd.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

If you prefer to batch cook your Thanksgiving feast ahead of time, go for it! After simmering, allow your chickpeas to cool to room temperature before putting in the fridge. Pull them out to take the chill off about twenty minutes before warming in a pot with a lid over medium heat. In general, allowing items to rest at room temperature a bit after being in the fridge will help them reheat faster and more evenly. Don’t allow the chickpeas to boil. If you start seeing a lot of action in the pot, lower the heat. They should be ready in 5–10 minutes, but if you’re unsure, use a clean spoon to do a little taste test.

This recipe is extremely flexible. Switch out the herbs and spices if you don’t care for an “autumnal” flavor. You can also use different veggies instead of the celery. If you want to substitute the onion or garlic, we recommend sticking to alliums like leeks or shallots since they provide a good deal of flavor depth. You can even try this recipe with a different kind of bean! Have fun and make it your own. Let us know what you made in the comments below.

We hope you’ll try something new this Thanksgiving.

Xo 

Team Dirty

After you try the chickpeas, check out other selections from Plant Based Thanksgiving: 25 Recipes the Whole Family Will Love.