Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Super Food: Chickpeas

Let's keep it light today. I'm sure I ruffled enough feathers with yesterday's soda post so today I offer you a ridiculously easy recipe and some great reasons to eat chickpeas.

Garbanzo beans, or chickpeas, are a very good source of folic acid, fiber and manganese. They are also a good source of protein and include minerals such as iron, copper, zinc and magnesium.

If they aren't already a part of your diet you should consider adding them. You can toss some on a salad for a super fast and easy way to bump up the nutritional power of your lunch or dinner. Or make a batch of Harper's Hummus and dip your favorite raw vegetables in it. You can also use it as a spread for sandwiches and wraps.

And, for the world's easiest, no-cook appetizer I present to you:

Chickpea and Red Pepper Salsa
Recipe and photo by Real Simple magazine



1 15-ounce can chickpeas, rinsed and roughly chopped
4 scallions, sliced
1 cup arugula, chopped
2 jarred roasted red peppers, chopped (about ¼ cup)
2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Use homemade whole wheat pita chips (slice and broil, bake or toast whole wheat pita pockets) or organic blue corn tortilla chips (I like Garden of Eatin' brand) for dipping.

I like to take the leftover dip, if there is any, and toss it on a bed of greens the next day for a fast and easy lunch.

Glennon: I feel like this recipe has your name written all over it. There's no cooking or appliances involved, other than a can-opener, so I feel confident this will get the GSA (Glennon Stamp of Approval). Don't make a liar out of me girl.

Bon appetite!

15 comments:

  1. Thanks for this EASY recipe! I think I'll try it tonight. I just figured out what aragula is a couple years ago. It's a leafy green like spinach/lettuce/kale and has a peppery flavor.

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  2. Plus, arugala is fun to say.

    Erin, I'm on it and will let you know how GSA it truly is.

    When are you going to write about quinoa? That's fun to say too.

    Love G

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  3. We can have quinoa week next week G. We can include a recipe for frog legs and quinoa. Kidding. That might upset Chase.

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  4. Arugula IS fun to say and chick peas are delicious!

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  5. I love this Chick Pea Salsa! Making a double recipe today. We have guests in town this weekend & will be perfect a last minute appetizer!

    Too Funny the post is on chick peas today. I just tried a new recipe last night with chick peas & it was delicious! And so EASY! Garrett has already gotten into the leftovers he was supposed to be saving for lunch today!

    Spicy Garbanzo Bean (Chick Pea) Masala

    1 onion chopped
    1 tsp minced garlic
    1 tsp fresh ginger (I used it from a tube)
    2 TBLS Vegetable broth
    2 TBLS Curry Powder
    1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes
    2 15 ounce cans chick peas
    2 TBLS Chopped fresh cilantro (optional for garnish)

    Place Onion, Garlic, ginger and vegetable broth in a large pot. Cook stirring frequently until onions are softened a bit. Stir in Curry Powder & cook 1 minute. Add Tomatoes & Chick Peas. Mix well and let simmer on Medium low 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Garnish with Cilantro & enjoy over your favorite grain. Maybe over Quinoa for Glennon??

    Have a Healthy Day All!

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  6. Oooh, Mel, this looks great! And E-Z too which we are all about here on FAL. Thanks for sharing. I will try it this weekend when I return from my hut trip. Yum. Yum.

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  7. I think I rebelled so much yesterday with your soda post that I UPPED the intake. I am back to being normal today because I couldn't fall asleep with so much caffiene running through my system.

    This recipe looks good!

    luv2run

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  8. I tried this recipe for lunch today but didn't have the roasted red peppers. My boys thought the chick peas made better shooters than food. :( So, I turned it into hummus in the food processor...threw in a bit of tahini & voila...YUM!

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  9. Looks yummy -- I love arugula and chick peas. Tonight is "Greek Night" at our house, and I was planning to make hummus, but maybe I'll try this instead.

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  10. I am so tired today that upon first read, I thought LWL wrote: "threw in a bit of tahini and VODKA." I think that would also be awesome ;-)

    So I have been super negative, but I am trying to turn it around! no Diet Coke yesterday or today, and despite working until 11:00 last night, I got up at 6:00 and went to the gym for 30 mins on the treadmill. I'll say it -- YAY ME!!!

    this recipe looks very yummy. I think I have all of this at home except for the arugala. which is, as Glennon noted, very fun to say. ;-)

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  11. Yes, Kelly yes, I need to make more ALCOHOLIC *healthy* recipes. I knew I was missing an important category :-) Perhaps I will have the under 2 crew do some of those tastings on particularly fussy days. Was that outloud.

    And, YAY YOU for no DC and an early workout. YAY.

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  12. oooo, sounds delish! And I love recipes where I have every ingredient already. Thanks Erin!

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  13. wow both these recipes sound awesome, and I have most of these ingrediants on hand aleady!

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  14. yummy.... your recipe is awesome thanks for share this post to all of us.

    Super Foods Ireland

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