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Vegan Savory Chickpea Breakfast Scramble – A Hearty, Protein-Packed Morning Meal

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Chickpeas: 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed, or 1.5 cups cooked.
  • Onion: 1/2 medium yellow or red onion, diced.
  • Bell pepper: 1 small red or green bell pepper, diced.
  • Cherry tomatoes: 1 cup, halved (or 1 large tomato, chopped).
  • Spinach or kale: 2 cups, roughly chopped.
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: 1–2 tablespoons for sautéing.
  • Spices: 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon turmeric, pinch of red pepper flakes (optional).
  • Black salt (kala namak): 1/4–1/2 teaspoon for eggy flavor (optional but recommended).
  • Sea salt and black pepper: To taste.
  • Nutritional yeast: 1–2 tablespoons for savory, cheesy notes.
  • Non-dairy milk or water: 2–3 tablespoons to moisten.
  • Lemon juice: 1–2 teaspoons for brightness.
  • Fresh herbs: Chives, parsley, or cilantro for garnish.

Method
 

  1. Prep the chickpeas: Pat the drained chickpeas dry. In a bowl, lightly mash about two-thirds of them with a fork or potato masher, leaving some whole for texture.
  2. Season the base: Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric, nutritional yeast, a pinch of sea salt, and black pepper. Add 2 tablespoons non-dairy milk or water to help everything come together. Set aside.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Heat oil over medium in a large nonstick skillet. Add onion and bell pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add tomatoes and greens: Toss in cherry tomatoes and cook 1–2 minutes until they begin to soften. Add spinach or kale and stir until wilted.
  5. Fold in chickpeas: Add the seasoned chickpea mixture to the skillet. Stir gently to combine with the veggies. Cook 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through and slightly crisp in spots.
  6. Adjust seasoning: Sprinkle in black salt (start with 1/4 teaspoon), taste, and add more if you want a stronger eggy note. Add lemon juice to brighten. If it looks dry, splash in another tablespoon of non-dairy milk or water.
  7. Finish and serve: Turn off the heat and top with fresh herbs. Serve with toast, warm tortillas, avocado slices, or a side of crispy potatoes.