“So, how do you use chickpea? What to make, apart from hummus?” can easily be set under frequently asked questions.
For some reason, chickpeas have a reputation with many people for being boring. Probably because they are quite blunt when you just cook them 😉 But just like rice, they are very diverse and easily turned into a spectacular dish. You are bounded by your imagination, really.
This is just the beginning of good news when it comes to chickpeas. The gluten-free legumes are rich in fiber, protein, carbs, and a spectrum of vitamins and poor in calories and fat.
So, what are some inspirational ways to prepare a chickpea-based dish?
When thinking about how to use chickpeas, bare in mind that this super healthy legume is really super versatile (as mentioned above). You can turn in into a star of anything – from a dip to soup, to the main dish and dessert. You can turn it into a crazy tasty, crisp oven-bakes snack, abundant in spices and aromas. When well-boiled, chickpeas are easy to blend into a famous delight – hummus; and if you simmer it with coconut milk, spices, and peanut butter you get something special:
Chickpea peanut butter curry
This aromatic Indian style dish is extremely rich and creamy. It bursts with flavors and textures, provided by different veggies and exotic spices. Peanut butter curry is a great meal for a fancy, Indian-inspired dinner party because it is simple to make yet incredibly satisfying and of course, healthy.
Spicy roasted chickpea salad with avocado spinach dressing
One of my favorite salads ever! Not sure what I like best: the crunchiness of roasted chickpea, the creaminess of the dressing, the freshness of veggies, or the combination of the three.
When you see the ingredients, you will know that this salad is a full meal. There is nothing more to ask than the luscious green dressing full of healthy fats from avocado and proteins and fibers from chickpeas covered in a mixture of delightful spices. Give this incredible salad a go!
Healthy chickpea blueberry pancakes
Besan is made by grounding dried chickpeas. So, if you have a strong blender, you can make your own chickpea flour in a matter of minutes. How to use it? From pie-crust to cookies, it’s really up to you.
Having that said, delicious, soft chickpea flour pancakes are the obvious idea. Why?
Because they are easy to make, easy to digest, very tasty, and full of nutrients your family needs. You can make them different every time, by changing fruits, adding different spices, or making them vegan or non-vegan. If you don’t feel like cooking pancakes, just pour the dough into your muffin tray. Learn how to make this delicious breakfast or dessert.
Homemade broccoli pakora
Pakora is a famous Indian dish, usually served as an appetizer. It consists of a besan flour-based batter and a veggie of your choice. However, pakoras are fried, which is basically a cooking method I rarely use. The good news is – they are just as tasty when prepared at the oven.
These lovely snacks are my warmest recommendation for all who would like to leave their appetizer comfort zone and try something new. Get the recipe for a broccoli version here.
I hope these proposals inspired you to explore different ways of preparing chickpeas. The list will continue to change but I am inviting you to share your ideas and inspiration with me! 🙂