General Tso's Chickpeas

About This Recipe

Healthy General Tso's Chickpeas is an easy vegetarian and vegan variation on everyone's favorite Chinese takeout recipe. Gluten free!

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas ((15 ounces))
• 1 tablespoon canola oil (or grapeseed oil, or other neutral cooking oil good for high heat)
• 1 large crown broccoli (cut into florets)
• 2 small red bell peppers (cored and sliced)
• 2  cloves minced garlic
• 2 green onions (thinly sliced, white and green parts divided)
• Toasted sesame seeds (optional for serving)
• Prepared brown rice
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce ((or tamari for gluten free))
• 1/4  cup  hoisin sauce
• 3 tablespoons  apricot jam
• 2  tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2  tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1-2 tablespoons  chili garlic sauce

Instructions

1. If serving the stir fry with rice, quinoa, or other grain, prepare as needed. Drain and rinse the chickpeas, then spread on a paper or dishtowel and lightly pat dry. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk all of the sauce ingredients together: water, soy sauce, hoisin, jam, rice vinegar, ginger, cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce. Taste and add additional garlic chili sauce if you prefer more heat.
3. Heat oil in a large, non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high. Add the broccoli and bell peppers. Saute for 2 minutes, then stir in the garlic, white parts of the green onions, and chickpeas.
4. Cook for 3 additional minutes, until the vegetables are crisp-tender, then pour in the sauce.
5. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens; about 2 additional minutes.
6. Sprinkle with the green portion of the green onions and sesame seeds. Serve hot with prepared rice or quinoa.