Healthy cooking doesn’t have to be difficult. Sometimes adding a simple ingredient is the best way to make a meal more nutritious. Chickpeas, for example! Here’s how you can make a meal healthier with a can of chickpeas.
Hash browns, but with chickpeas
Hash browns are an American breakfast staple. They are usually made with potatoes. But did you know that crushed chickpeas work just as well? The texture is similar and the chickpeas will also get nice and crispy when you fry them. Add some vegetables, an egg and maybe some bacon and you have an American breakfast with a little more fiber and protein.
Add chickpeas to a smoothie
Chickpeas are very rich in fiber and they are very rich in protein. For this reason, it is not a bad idea to add them to your morning smoothie. This will make your smoothie extra creamy and you will not need milk anymore. Water is still recommended if you do not like a very thick smoothie. Afraid that your smoothie will taste like peas? Don’t panic, the taste of most types of fruit is far too overwhelming to even get through.
Roasted chickpeas are a perfect snack
Do you like to snack on crunchy things during the day? Then try roasted chickpeas. You can roast them in the oven or in the airfryer. First, season them with your favorite herbs and a little olive oil. Then bake them until you are happy with how crunchy they are. You can then take them with you as a snack or use them as a topping for salads, for example.
Make your own hummus
One of the most classic ways to use chickpeas is of course in hummus. Sometimes it is much tastier to make your own hummus than to buy it in the store. This is not only cheaper and tastier, but often also a lot healthier. You can also make your hummus completely your own by adding ingredients that you like. Be creative! Then use your hummus to dip vegetables in or as a spread for on bread or in wraps.
Fry your food in it for healthy tempura
If you’ve ever eaten at a sushi restaurant, you’re probably familiar with the concept of tempura. Did you know that if you blend chickpeas, you can use them as a tempura batter? This is a lot healthier than a traditional tempura batter and it’s incredibly easy to make.
They even work as dessert
Chickpeas can be used in almost any meal, even desserts. For example, you can add them to blondies or brownies for extra creaminess. In addition, you can use the water in the can of chickpeas for a lot. For example, it serves as a good, healthy alternative to egg whites.
