5 Unconventional Ways You Should be Eating Chickpeas
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Chickpeas are easily one of the most versatile and popular foods. They’re hearty and packed with fiber, as well as protein. Chickpeas can hold their own in all types of cuisines, and carnivores, vegetarians and vegans all get to equally enjoy them in their diets. Some people call them garbanzo beans, but it’s all the same, just different cultural origins. Chickpeas are like a ninja superfood. Without even trying, they’re naturally gluten-free, certified non-GMO and low on the glycemic index. Whether it’s a creamy hummus, burger or spicy curry, this nutty legume can do no wrong.
1. Pasta
We’re always looking for healthier ways to get our pasta fix without the actual pasta. Companies are making your favorite carb out of chickpeas so that you can avoid the empty carbs and get more fiber and protein with your meal.
Banza pasta is becoming more mainstream and you can still make all of the baked ziti, mac and cheese and pesto pasta that you want. You can buy chickpea pasta at the store or save some money with sites like Thrive Market. Bonus: You can actually feel good about yourself after eating it.
2. Burgers
Instead of the usual black bean or portobello bases for a veggie burger, chickpea burgers can give you that protein you’re looking and still satisfy all of the bold flavors you’re craving. You don’t even have to go all the way out with a bun. Try making with them with tahini sauce or in between an English muffin (or lettuce to cut the calories). This hearty chickpea burger with coriander, lemon juice, cumin and red onion can rival a regular patty any day. A food processor will be your best friend with these plant-based burgers.
3. Sweets
Chickpeas can work just as well in sweet recipes as they do in savory ones. You’ll find crunchy chickpeas covered with chocolate from Biena Foods. There’s also sweet dark chocolate, sesame honey and cinnamon crunch chickpea snacks from Lebby. They’re dry roasted, non-GMO, vegan and lightly flavored with natural ingredients.
You can use chickpeas in place of flour in a lot of your favorite baked goods. Keep chickpea flour in the pantry when you’re looking for a gluten-free substitute. These peanut butter banana chocolate chip chickpea blondies will make you the star of your office potluck. Maybe chickpea cookie dough truffles are more your style or chickpea and orange cake for a healthier option.
4. Snacks
Chickpea snacks are more commonly available than you’d think. Hippeas makes chickpea snacks for when you’re on the lookout for healthier ways to graze. These organic chickpea puffs are geared towards millennials to make eating nutritious snacks seem kinda cool. These useful legumes actually release nitrogen back into the soil so when it comes to farming, growing chickpeas helps to give back to earth.
If you’re hopping on the plant-based trend, chickpea snacks seem like a no-brainer. Another trailblazing company in this market is The Good Bean that has flavors like hummus roasted, mesquite BBQ, sea salt and smoky chili. You could also make your own snacks like crispy parmesan or spicy roasted chickpeas.
5. Fries
Maybe you’ve seen these on the menu somewhere listed as panelle (Sicilian fritters) or chickpea fries. Either way, they’re delicious. They’re crispy and addictive, and make for the perfect appetizers. This recipe from One Green Planet combines water and chickpea flour with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano and cayenne pepper.
The French version, known as Panisse, has a crispy outside, a smooth inside and they come out shaped just like French fries. Pair them with a glass of wine or serve them as a side dish. Sprinkle a little coarse sea salt and freshly cracked pepper and you’ll be good to go. No potatoes necessary.
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