When you hear “chickpeas”, you picture hummus. There is more to chickpeas than just the healthy dip. They can be used to make curries, soups, wraps, and even salads.
Chickpea or garbanzo beans are a type of legume that is packed with vitamins, minerals, and proteins. They aid weight loss and digestion, regulate blood sugar, and also protect you against heart disease and cancer.
Here are 4 simple ways you can use chickpeas for a protein-packed snack.
1. Chickpea Salad
Chickpea salad is the best quick and nutritious meal option. It comes with the added benefits of tomatoes, lemon, and garlic. This salad can be stored for a few days in the refrigerator, making it more convenient.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups chickpeas
- 1 large red tomato, diced
- 2 Lebanese cucumbers, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoons dried oregano
- ½ tablespoon salt
- ½ tablespoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the 2 cups of chickpeas to get about 4 cups of cooked chickpeas. Let it cool.
- In a large bowl, add all the ingredients, including the chickpeas.
- Mix thoroughly and squeeze the lemon into it.
- Once you have mixed it again, it can be left in the fridge for a few minutes.
- You can also eat it immediately if you don’t want it to be served cold.
2. Roasted Chickpeas
Eating high-fiber foods can keep you full for longer, thereby reducing cravings, and helping you lose weight. Roasted chickpeas are a snack with a high fiber content. Not only will they add a lovely crunch, but also suppress your appetite while providing you with a healthy dose of protein.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chickpeas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 230 degrees C or 450 degrees F.
- Ensure that chickpeas are dried well. If required, use a paper towel to remove the excess water.
- Take a bowl, and add chickpeas, olive oil, cumin, cayenne pepper, chili powder, and salt.
- Mix all these ingredients thoroughly to ensure that chickpeas are coated well.
- Spread them on a baking sheet and leave it in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes until they turn brown.
- Ensure that you don’t leave it for too long to avoid burning.
Add the chili and salt based on your preference.
3. Chickpea Protein Bars
This gluten-free vegan protein bar is the best snack for your busy days. Throw some in your bag, and eat them at any time of the day.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas
- ½ cup dates
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ⅔ vegan, vanilla protein powder
- ⅓ cup green pumpkin seeds
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a foil.
- Blend the chickpeas, dates, peanut butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth
- Add the protein powder, pepitas, and cranberries. Blend again until the ingredients are mixed well, and the mixture looks like a dough ball.
- Press mixture evenly into the pan.
- Freeze for 1 hour until it is firm.
- Remove using pan liner and cut into bars.
You can store these bars for up to 15 days.
4. Chickpea Soup
Ingredients:
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 2 cups chickpeas
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, slivered
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions:
- Over medium heat, add olive oil to the soup pot, and saute onion until it turns translucent.
- Add garlic to it and cook.
- Wash the cooked chickpeas in water and add it to the pot.
- Add water to the pot till chickpeas are covered completely.
- Cook it on medium heat for about an hour, until the chickpeas become soft.
- Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the soup before you serve it.
Note: Avoid eating chickpeas if you have any digestive disorders.
