Simple 7-Ingredient Recipe

Sunlit Chickpea Tomato Pilaf
A bright, comforting skillet of garlicky‑thyme rice tossed with chickpeas and tomatoes – pantry‑only and ready in about 25 minutes.

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Ingredients (7 pantry staples)

1. Long‑grain white rice – 1 cup
2. Canned chickpeas (garbanzo beans) – 1 can (≈ 15 oz/425 g), drained & rinsed
3. Canned diced tomatoes – 1 can (≈ 14 oz/400 g)
4. Garlic powder – 1 tsp
5. Dried thyme – 1 tsp
6. Olive oil – 2 Tbsp
7. Salt – ½ tsp (adjust to taste)

Water for cooking is not counted among the seven ingredients.

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Instructions

1. Prep the rice

   • Measure the rice into a fine‑mesh strainer. Rinse under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain well.

2. Build the aromatics

   • In a large skillet or pot (one that has a tight‑fitting lid), heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sprinkle in the garlic powder and dried thyme; stir for 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to let the garlic burn).

3. Toast the rice

   • Add the rinsed rice to the skillet. Stir constantly for 2 minutes, coating each grain with the oil‑herb mixture. This light toasting adds a subtle nutty flavor.

4. Add the tomatoes & chickpeas

   • Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (including their juice) and the drained chickpeas. Stir everything together, breaking up any large tomato pieces.

5. Add water & cook

   • Add 2 cups of water to the skillet (the standard 2 : 1 water‑to‑rice ratio).
   • Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover tightly, and let it simmer for 15 minutes – the rice should be tender and the liquid absorbed.

6. Rest & finish

   • Remove the pan from heat and let it sit, still covered, for 5 minutes. This resting period lets the rice finish absorbing any lingering moisture.
   • Fluff the pilaf with a fork, then stir in the salt (add more to taste if needed).

7. Serve

   • Dish out the pilaf while it’s still warm. It’s delicious on its own, or you can serve it alongside a simple green salad.

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Estimated Time

Step	Time
Prep (gathering & rinsing)	5 min
Cook (sauté, simmer, rest)	20 min
Total	≈ 25 min

Enjoy your bright, protein‑packed, pantry‑only meal! 🍽️