These easy and delicious Kung Pao chickpeas are made mostly with pantry staples. The spicy, tangy sauce is reminiscent of Chinese takeout, but healthier and vegan! Easily gluten-free and comes together in a snap.
Recipe by Yup, it's Vegan on September 29, 2016
Prep time: PT15M
Cook time: PT10M
Total time: PT25M
5 stars (5 reviews)
kung pao chickpeas
- In a small bowl, stir together the soy sauce, vinegars, agave nectar, and chili sauce. Taste the mixture and adjust quantities as desired.
- Whisk in the water and cornstarch, taking special care to dissolve any lumps of cornstarch. Set the sauce aside.
- Heat the toasted sesame oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the ginger and garlic, and cook, stirring constantly, for about 30 seconds or until fragrant.
- Add the celery and half of the scallions, and cook, continuing to stir, for another 60 seconds until the celery is softened.
- Add the Sichuan pepper, red pepper flakes, and peanuts, stir, and cook for another 30 to 60 seconds until the pepper is roasted and fragrant.
- Continuing to stir, add the bell pepper and cook for about 2 minutes until the bell pepper is crisp-tender.
- Stir in the chickpeas, collard greens, and prepared Kung Pao sauce. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the collard greens are bright green and tender; and the sauce has thickened to coat the chickpeas and vegetables. At this point, the dish is ready. The longer you cook it, the thicker the sauce will get, so this is a matter of your preference.
- Serve over rice or accompaniment of choice, garnished with the other half of the scallions, and more peanuts if desired.