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Hi! I’m Kate, the face behind KateFi.com—a blog all about making life easier and more affordable.
Craving something cozy, carb-y, and super cheap? This Buttery Herbed Rice with Crispy Chickpeas is like comfort food with a crispy crown. The buttery rice is dreamy enough on its own, but top it with seasoned, golden chickpeas and suddenly you’ve got a dish that feels way too fancy for the price.
Pantry Royalty
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Why You’ll Love It
- Total comfort in a bowl
- Uses pantry staples
- Ready in 25 minutes
- Under $1.25 per serving
- Vegan-friendly (just sub vegan butter!)
Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
| Ingredient | Cost (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| White rice (1 cup) | $0.25 | Or brown rice |
| Butter (2 tbsp) | $0.20 | Or vegan butter |
| Canned chickpeas (1 can) | $0.80 | Drained, rinsed, patted dry |
| Garlic powder (1 tsp) | $0.05 | Or fresh garlic |
| Dried herbs (1 tsp) | $0.05 | Thyme, parsley, basil, oregano |
| Salt & pepper | Negligible | Season to taste |
| Olive oil (1 tbsp) | $0.10 | For crisping chickpeas |
Total: ~$1.45 for 2–3 servings
How to Make It
1. Cook the Rice: In a pot, cook rice according to package instructions. When done, stir in butter and herbs. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Crisp the Chickpeas: While rice cooks, heat oil in a pan. Add chickpeas, garlic powder, herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crisp.
3. Assemble: Spoon rice into bowls, top with crispy chickpeas, and dig in.
Extra Delicious Pairings
Keep it plant-powered with Savory Oatmeal with Eggs & Spinach or level up with Zucchini Corn Fritters.
Sweet tooth? Don’t miss our Magic 3-Ingredient Chocolate Truffles or No-Bake Peanut Butter Oat Bars.
Budget Gourmet, Activated
This is one of those meals that’s shockingly good for how little effort (and cash) it takes. Whether you’re broke or ballin’, this bowl hits every time.
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Make it. Brag about it. Repeat it.
