RECIPE

Enjoy our creamy, dairy-free Chickpea Chorizo and Kale Risotto, featuring a fiber- and protein-rich chickpea chorizo alternative and a luscious cashew-based sauce for a rich, dairy-free finish. This quick and easy one-pot meal is packed with smoky, savory flavors, and it's both vegan and gluten-free! This comforting and meal-prep-friendly dish comes together in minutes!
Check out Jessica's cooking demo below! It's the latest in our Dairy-Free Living Cooking Demo Series. If you want more recipes and resources to make removing dairy from you diet a breeze, download our free Dairy-Free Living Guide today.
Chickpea Chorizo and Kale Risotto Demo
Now, let's get into the recipe!
Chickpea Chorizo and Kale Risotto
Prep Time: Cook Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4
Ingredients
Creamy Dairy-Free Sauce:
½ cup cashews
Juice of ½ lemon
¼ teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1½ cups water
Smoky Chickpea Chorizo:
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon cumin
1 tablespoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon soy sauce (or coconut aminos for a soy-free option)
For the Risotto:
½ large onion (or 1 small onion), thinly slices
1 large bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 cups chopped frozen kale (or fresh/pre-steamed kale)
2 cups pre-cooked rice
Salt, to taste
Preparation
Make the Creamy Dairy-Free Sauce:
Add cashews, lemon juice, salt, nutritional yeast, and water to a blender.
Blend on high for 30-60 seconds until completely smooth.
Set aside.
Make the Chickpea Chorizo:
Mash chickpeas using a potato masher until they have a flaky, crumbly texture (not mushy).
Add onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, vegetable oil, and soy sauce.
Mix until evenly coated and the color resembles traditional chorizo.
Spread onto a baking dish and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-30 minutes, until crispy and chewy.
Cook the Risotto:
In a large pan, sauté the diced onion over medium-low heat. Cover with a lid for a few minutes to help caramelize.
Add the bell pepper and sauté for 2-3 minutes, covering with a lid again to steam.
Stir in the frozen kale and cook until heated through. Season with a pinch of salt.
Add the pre-cooked rice and mix well.
Pour in the creamy cashew sauce and gently fold everything together.
Cover with a lid and let cook on medium-low heat for 3-5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and be absorbed.
Assemble and Serve:
Stir half of the cooked chickpea chorizo into the risotto. Mix well to distribute flavors.
Serve in bowls and top with extra chickpea chorizo for added texture and flavor.
Enjoy your Chickpea Chorizo and Kale Risotto—a quick, easy, and delicious dairy-free meal!