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There’s no denying the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet. It is consistently ranked by The US News & World Review as one of the best diets to follow. Based on the health benefits of chickpeas it’s no surprise that it is a staple in many Mediterranean dishes.
Chickpea Profile
Chickpeas are also known as garbanzo beans. They are high in fiber, a good source of protein, and packed with nutrients. Because of their high fiber and protein count, chickpeas can help keep your appetite in control while also aiding in blood sugar regulation. Chickpeas make an excellent plant-based protein source. They are also a good source of minerals like manganese and potassium, both known for boosting heart health. I could go on about the health benefits of chickpeas but let’s get to the fun ways to eat them.
Chickpeas Go Beyond Hummus
Most people associate chickpeas with hummus but chickpeas can do so much more. They have a nutty flavor that makes them great on salads or mixed in rice or pasta dishes. Their grainy texture means they work well in soups and stews and blend well to make dips. If you are adventurous, try your hand at falafel. I make falafel in the air fryer so they are a healthy addition to salads and power bowls. You can also purchase chickpea flour to make pancakes (socca), tortillas, and wraps. This is handy for our gluten-free eaters. I’ve even made pizza crust with chickpea flour. There are plenty of recipes using chickpea flour on the interwebs so have fun trying some new things.
Chickpeas Cookies?
My favorite recipe using chickpeas is Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies. I know it sounds crazy but they are delicious! I guarantee that you’ll even be able to fool your kids. These cookies have no added refined sugar and are instead sweetened with either 100% maple syrup or honey. The chickpeas add a protein boost which helps keep that insulin boost at bay. You could experiment with different nut butters like almond or cashew. You could also try other sweeteners but I have only attempted honey and maple syrup. I am not sure how the texture would change with a granular sweetener.
Let me know what you think of this recipe and tell me how you incorporate chickpeas into your diet.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Chickpea Cookies
Equipment
- Food Processor
Ingredients
- 1 can 15oz chickpeas drained and rinsed
- 2/3 cup all-natural, sugar-free creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup raw honey you could substitute 100% maple syrup
- 1/4 cup almond flour or oat flour
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2/3 cup chocolate chips opt for dark or stevia-sweetened like Lily's.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Place all ingredients, except chocolate chips, in a food processor. Process till smooth and there are no chickpea lumps.
- Transfer to a bowl. Using a spatula, add chocolate chips.
- Using hands, roll into balls about the size of a ping pong ball. Place on a Silpat or parchment-lined cookie sheet.
- Flatten each cookie. These cookies do not spread! You can also press fork tines into each cookie so they resemble regular peanut butter cookies.
- I prefer my cookies to be small so I was able to make about 20. Feel free to make larger cookies as long as you flatten them so they bake evenly.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or to your preferred crispiness. Let sit on the baking sheet for an additional 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Store cookies in an air-tight container.
