Welcome to a flavorful journey with our Creamy Miso Chickpeas with Harissa Recipe! This great recipe combines the savory goodness of chickpea miso with a fiery harissa twist, all simmered in full-fat coconut milk.
The blend of white miso paste, soy sauce, and olive oil creates a depth of flavor that’s perfect for enhancing your immune systems and providing essential amino acids. Whether you’re a first time cook or a seasoned chef, this dish is a fantastic way to enjoy garbanzo beans and experience the unique taste of fermented soybean paste.
Looking for more easy chickpea recipes? Check them out here!
The Story Behind the Recipe
Inspired by the traditional miso soup and modern twists on chickpea dishes, this recipe pays homage to diverse culinary cultures. The use of miso paste—both white and red miso for variation—adds a rich, umami flavor, while harissa paste (or a mix of tomato paste, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and cumin) gives the dish a spicy kick reminiscent of chili garlic sauce. This combination not only creates air bubbles of flavor but also brings out the savory flavors that are the best part of every bite.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Key Ingredients
- Creamy Chickpeas: Our garbanzo beans form the hearty base of this dish.
- Olive Oil: A small amount of extra virgin olive oil is used for sautéing to release natural flavors.
- Yellow Onion & Garlic: Finely diced onions and minced garlic (and even a little bit of fresh ginger) create a fragrant start over medium heat.
- Harissa Paste: Essential for that spicy burst; if unavailable, mix tomato paste, red pepper flakes, a dash of cumin, and smoked paprika.
- Coconut Milk & Miso Paste: Full-fat coconut milk and white miso paste (or red miso for a richer flavor) combine to create a creamy, umami-packed sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option) adds a fermented depth, similar to coconut aminos.
- Spinach: Chopped spinach adds color, texture, and valuable health benefits.
Substitution Options
- If you can’t find harissa paste, blend tomato paste with a small amount of hot water and red pepper flakes.
- Substitute extra miso or even add peanut butter for a nutty twist, balancing with warm water to maintain a smooth consistency.
Helpful Tools
- Large Pot: Essential for simmering the chickpea mixture, ensuring all flavors meld beautifully.
- Medium Bowl: Ideal for prepping ingredients and mixing salad dressings if desired.
- Potato Masher: Use this to gently break up chickpeas, keeping some air bubbles for texture.
- Baking Sheet: Perfect if you want to roast some chickpeas for a crispy garnish.
- Airtight Container: Great for storing leftovers that can remain fresh for an extra month in your refrigerator.
How to Make This Creamy Miso Chickpeas with Harissa Recipe
Sautéing Aromatics
- In your large pot, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add finely diced yellow onions and cook until they soften—about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and, if using, a little bit of fresh ginger. The aroma is the best part as these ingredients lay the foundation for a savory dish.
Simmering the Mixture
- Add in your rinsed garbanzo beans (chickpeas), full-fat coconut milk, and a generous scoop of miso paste.
- Pour in harissa paste and soy sauce, then bring the mixture to a rapid simmer.
- Allow it to cook for around 10 minutes so that the sauce reduces, forming delightful air bubbles and intensifying the flavor—similar to seasoning soups or miso soup.
Finishing Touches
- Stir in chopped spinach and a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or grated parmesan for extra depth of flavor.
- Finish with a squeeze of lime or lemon juice to brighten the dish.
- For a final twist, drizzle a little sesame oil or even a spoonful of peanut butter, mixing well with a splash of warm water if needed.
Creamy Miso Chickpeas with Harissa Serving Suggestions
- Over Grains: Serve your creamy miso chickpeas over brown rice, quinoa, or couscous.
- With Bread: Pair with garlic naan, roti, sourdough, or fresh crusty bread to soak up the rich sauce.
- Side Dish: Enjoy as a hearty side dish alongside a fresh salad dressed with olive oil and rice vinegar.
Tips & Tricks
- Medium Heat is Key: Cooking over medium heat preserves the flavors without burning the aromatics.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temperature coconut milk and miso helps the sauce blend evenly.
- Enhance with Extra Miso: For first time cooks, adding a little extra miso at the end of cooking can boost the savory profile without overpowering.
- Creative Variations: Mix in a bit of vegetable broth for a lighter version or add a dash of maple syrup if you enjoy a hint of sweetness.
Miso Chickpeas: Health Benefits
This dish isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with health benefits! Chickpeas provide essential amino acids and protein, while miso paste offers probiotics that support immune systems and gut health. Additionally, the healthy fats from olive oil and coconut milk help maintain heart health, making this a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Recipe Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, red miso will give the dish a richer flavor and deeper umami notes.
Combine tomato paste, red pepper flakes, cumin, and smoked paprika for a fiery alternative.
It works well as both—serve it over grains for a complete meal or as a robust side dish.
Use a potato masher to lightly crush the chickpeas, keeping some texture while blending flavors.
Place in an airtight container and refrigerate. Reheat gently on medium heat, adding hot water if needed.
Creamy Miso Chickpeas with Harissa
Ingredients
Creamy Chickpeas
- 1-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves minced garlic
- 1 heaping tbsp harissa paste see notes
- 1 19oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1 19oz can full fat coconut milk
- 1 heaping tbsp white miso paste
- 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce tamari for GF
- 2 large handfuls spinach, chopped
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast or grated parmesan cheese
Toppings
- fresh cilantro optional
- lemon juice
Instructions
- In a pot or pan on medium heat, add the olive oil and onions and cook for 3-4 mins.
- Add the garlic and harissa paste and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
- Now, add in the chickpeas, coconut milk, and miso and keep it on a rapid simmer for about 10 mins or until the sauce has reduced.
- Now stir in the soy sauce, chopped spinach, and nooch (or parm) and cook for 1 more minute.
- Season with salt, pepper and lemon juice to taste. Top with fresh cilantro, and serve with your favourite rice, grain or bread. Enjoy!
Notes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- hot chili flakes to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- Rice
- Quinoa
- Couscous
- Garlic Naan
- Roti
- Sourdough
- Fresh Crusty bread
Nutrition
Conclusion: Miso Chickpeas with Harissa Recipe
This Creamy Miso Chickpeas with Harissa Recipe is a wonderful blend of savory flavors, heat, and creaminess. With miso paste, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil, every bite delivers a unique depth of flavor enhanced by health benefits like essential amino acids and probiotics.
It’s a great way to enjoy a nutrient-packed meal that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Enjoy this dish hot, and remember, every kitchen adventure is a learning experience—so experiment and have fun with it!
Loved this chickpeas dish came together super quick and flavor was bangin! 🔥
Fantastic! I’m thrilled you enjoyed how quickly it came together and the flavor! Thanks for the feedback!