Store Cupboard Staples – Chickpeas

Chickpeas (aka garbanzo beans) are a great store cupboard/pantry staple to always have on hand, lockdown or not.

They are great for fibre, rich in protein and essential trace micronutrients like manganese. They can be soaked overnight from dried chickpeas or they can be used pre-cooked from cans.

Blended with olive oil, lemon juice and tahini they can be easily turned into hummous. They are a useful addition to curry dishes instead of meat and you can also dry roast them for an amazing snack.

Simple hummous

• 1 can chickpeas

• 1 lemon for the juice

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil

• 1 clove garlic

• 4 tablespoons of tahini

• pinch of sea salt (optional)

Method

Combine all ingredients in a blender and whizz around until combined well.

You can add herbs or spices like coriander, paprika or pepper to taste. I also usually add a half teaspoon of cumin which gives it a lovely flavour.

They can also be used to make desserts, especially for gluten free cooking and baking and the water from the canned version, known as aquafaba, can be used to make meringues.

Top 3 Reasons To Make Your Own Hummus

1. Helps with Weight Management: If you are looking for healthy snack options to help with your weight loss goals, hummus is an excellent choice. The chickpeas in hummus are packed with fiber which helps promote satiety, prevents overeating, and boosts the digestive system. A 2014 study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Food Sciences discovered that those who chose hummus as a healthy snack had a 53% lower chance of being obese and a 51% lower chance of having high blood sugar versus those who do not eat hummus!

   
   
   
   

2. Hummus is a High Protein Snack: If you are looking to increase your protein intake, humus packs in 4 grams of protein per 1/3 cup serving, which makes hummus a great source of plant-based protein. Protein is needed for nearly every process in the body, and snacking on a healthy food such as hummus can help to replace protein stores, which makes it a great pre- or post-workout snack.

   
   
   
   

3. Hummus Makes an Excellent Spread: Hummus is an excellent alternative to mayonnaise, salad dressing or other processed spreads on sandwiches, wraps, or buns. With a wide variety of flavours, hummus can be a delicious complement to any healthy sandwich or veggie wrap, and can even be used as a base for a healthier salad! Try mixing garlic hummus with mashed avocado for a healthy spread packed with fibre, healthy fats, and protein.

   
   

Do you have chickpeas as a staple in your pantry? #quarantine #healthcoach #chickpeas #versatilityincooking #cooking #healthyfood #recipe