1. Start the rice first: combine 1.5 cups rice with 2.25 cups water and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to the lowest setting, cover with a lid, and cook for 18 minutes. Do not lift the lid while it cooks.
2. While the rice starts, drain and rinse the chickpeas thoroughly in a colander. Spread them on a clean kitchen towel and pat completely dry — the drier they are, the crispier they will get.
3. In a medium bowl, toss the dried chickpeas with 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon cumin, 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika, 0.25 teaspoon turmeric, 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder, and 0.5 teaspoon salt until evenly coated.
4. Place the seasoned chickpeas in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F for 14–16 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through at the 7-minute mark. They are done when they are golden brown and audibly crackly.
5. While chickpeas air fry, cut the zucchini into half-moon slices, the bell pepper into 1-inch strips, and the red onion into thin wedges.
6. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil. Add all the cut vegetables and cook for 7–9 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes, until the edges are lightly charred and the zucchini is tender when poked with a fork.
7. Season the vegetables with the remaining 0.5 teaspoon cumin, 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika, and remaining salt and black pepper. Stir and cook 1 more minute.
8. Make the tahini drizzle: in a small bowl whisk together tahini, lemon juice, and water until smooth and pourable. If it is too thick, add water one teaspoon at a time. It should look like a thin, creamy dressing.
9. After 18 minutes, remove the rice from heat and let it sit covered for 2 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
10. To assemble: scoop rice into each bowl, top with sautéed vegetables, a big handful of crispy chickpeas, a generous drizzle of tahini sauce, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve right away while the chickpeas are still crispy.
Contains: sesame. Always double-check labels for your household's allergies.
Cost is a national-average estimate and varies by store and region.
This recipe was generated by Plento Pasto's AI from a library of family-friendly dishes and reviewed for a real photo before publishing. Cooking times, costs, and nutrition are estimates — use your judgment in the kitchen.