Sweet & sour chickpeas with broccoli

Sweet & sour chickpeas with broccoli is a vibrant, vegan dish that combines tangy and sweet flavors with protein-rich chickpeas and nutrient-dense vegetables. Quick to prepare, it's perfect for weeknight dinners or as a colorful side dish.

15 Dec 2025
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

1/4 cup sugar
2 tbsp vinegar
2 tbsp vinegar
2 tbsp ketchup
2 tsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp garlic
2 tbsp water
1 tsp coconut oil
3 garlic cloves
1/2 red pepper
1/2 green pepper
1 cup broccoli
15 oz chickpeas
1/4 tsp red pepper (spice)
1 dash salt
1 dash black pepper
2 tbsp water
2 tsp cornstarch

Sweet & sour chickpeas with broccoli is a delightful, vegan-friendly dish that brings vibrant colors and flavors to your table. This recipe combines the tangy zest of vinegar, sweetness of sugar, and umami of soy sauce to create a balanced and mouth-watering meal. With protein-packed chickpeas and nutrient-rich broccoli, this dish is not only appetizing but also nutritious. Perfect for weeknight dinners or as a hearty side, it’s quick to prepare and will surely become a family favorite.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sweet & Sour Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp vinegar, 2 tbsp ketchup, 2 tsp soy sauce, 1/2 tsp minced garlic, and 2 tbsp water. Set aside.

2. Cook the Vegetables:
- Heat 1 tsp coconut oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

3. Combine Chickpeas & Vegetables:
- Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir to combine and cook for an additional 3 minutes.

4. Add the Sauce:
- Pour the sweet and sour sauce into the skillet. Stir to coat the chickpeas and vegetables evenly.
- Adjust the heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp water with 2 tsp cornstarch until smooth.
- Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly.
- Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

6. Season:
- Add 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of salt, and a dash of black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

7. Serve:
- Serve the sweet and sour chickpeas with broccoli hot over a bed of steamed rice or your favorite grain. Enjoy!

Sweet & sour chickpeas with broccoli is a simple yet delicious recipe that’s bound to impress. With its perfect balance of flavors and easy preparation, it's a great addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to satisfy. Enjoy the blend of sweet, sour, and savory notes with the crunch of fresh vegetables, and make mealtime an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Sweet & sour chickpeas with broccoli FAQ:

What vegetables can I substitute in this recipe?

You can substitute other vegetables like snap peas, carrots, or cauliflower depending on your preference. Just ensure they are cooked to a tender-crisp texture.

How long does this dish take to prepare and cook?

The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 20-25 minutes, making it a quick meal option.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time and store it?

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

How can I adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce?

To make the sauce sweeter, add more sugar or ketchup. To increase the tanginess, add a splash of vinegar or additional soy sauce according to your taste preference.

What are some good serving suggestions for this dish?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Tips:

- For a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch, but be sure to dissolve it in water first to avoid lumps.

- Use fresh vegetables whenever possible for the best texture and flavor.

- If you're not a fan of spicy food, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.

- Feel free to add other veggies like carrots, snap peas, or baby corn to make the dish even more colorful and nutritious.

- Serve the sweet & sour chickpeas over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 190kcal
Protein 7g
Carbohydrates 33g
Fiber 6g
Sugar 18g
Fat 3.46g

Sweet & sour chickpeas with broccoli