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Lose Weight With These Healthy Chickpea Recipes

Michele Foley — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 03:04:35 PST

Chickpeas seem to be everywhere lately - and with good reason: they're high in protein, fiber, folate, and zinc. And in a small study, chickpeas have also been shown to aid in weight loss. I love how versatile they are: whether roasted on their own, tossed in a salad, or even used in dessert, chickpeas seem to make every recipe better! See a few of our favorites here.

A Reader Recipe: Rosemary Chickpea Muffins

Fit Community — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 01:49:14 PST

FitSugar reader prepel came up with this inventive twist on socca, by turning the thin chickpea flour pancakes into muffins! She posted the recipe in our Healthy Recipe group.

Socca in muffin form!

Learn how to make this recipe after the break!

Make This: Spicy Roasted Chickpeas

Michele Foley — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 22:48:51 PST

At Nopalito, a Mexican eatery in my neighborhood, every meal starts off with a complimentary bowl of spicy fried chickpeas. This snack is full of heat and crunch and sort of reminds me of spicy wasabi peas or corn nuts. Because I'm addicted to them, I decided that I would try and make a healthier version at home. Like kale chips, roasted chickpeas are a great way to satisfy a chip craving, minus all that fat, and you get all the nutritional benefits of chickpeas - namely, fiber and protein.

See the recipe when you

Spicy Roasted Chickpeas
Inspired by Nopalito

Make sure the chickpeas are completely dry after draining and rinsing them. Otherwise they'll end up chewy and soggy.

Ingredients

1 15 oz. can of chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 teaspoons of spice mixture (a curry, Morrocan, or Mexican spice mixture work well)

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F.
Drain and rinse chickpeas in a colander. Pat dry.
Toss chickpeas in a medium sized bowl with olive oil, sea salt, and spices.
Arrange chickpeas on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake for approximately 30 minutes or until crispy. While baking, shake pan or stir chickpeas to avoid burning.
Transfer to a serving bowl.
If desired, sprinkle and toss with more spices.

Print recipe with images | without images

Makes four servings.

If you have a tasty and healthy recipe to share, post it in the Healthy Recipe Group. We could all use some new dishes to try.

Roasted Chickpeas Two Ways

Yum Community — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 03:04:33 PDT

We're always looking for new healthy snack ideas and we just found a good one from CheesePlease: roasted chickpeas.

Try this simply and addictive healthy snack! Chickpeas are a great source of protein, folic acid and iron. Roast your chickpeas with this garlic-cumin-sea salt recipe, or a delicious honey-cinnamon version. It's hard to say which one is better. My advice: Make both and you will have options depending on your mood!

Want the recipes? Head over to her blog. Don't forget to share your delicious creations with us in the YumSugar Community. You could be featured here!

Fast & Easy Dinner: Crispy Falafel With Yogurt Dip

Susannah Chen — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 11:30:00 PDT

When it comes to meatless Middle Eastern takeout, falafel is a natural favorite. But did you know that chickpea fritters are just as easy - and probably healthier – to make in the comfort of your own home?

Begin by processing garbanzo beans with aromatics, herbs, and spices until smooth; then form them into balls, coat with batter, and pan-fry until coating is golden brown and you detect the toasted aroma of cumin.

Drain patties on paper towels, then serve with yogurt dip on top of pita, mixed greens, or just about anything else. Give falafel a home-cooked try when you read more.

Fast & Easy Dinner: Okra & Chickpea Tagine

YumSugar — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 07:00:10 PDT

Southern vegetable staple okra is everywhere this time of year at Bay Area farmers markets, and it's perfect in everything from Summer skillet stir-fries to soothing, slow-cooked tagines like this one.

The key to this tender vegetable braise is lots of patience and a fiery, full-bodied garlic and pepper paste known as harissa. Use it to add layers of savory complexity to this slow-cooked vegetable stew. For the recipe, keep reading.

Fast & Easy Dinner: Orecchiette With Broccoli Rabe

YumSugar — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 07:00:06 PDT

Sometimes when I want to get crazy with my pasta dishes, I swap out the usual spaghetti or penne for orecchiette - it's one of my favorite pasta shapes.

Throw in some nutty broccoli rabe and chickpeas (garbanzo beans), toss in a light, garlicky sauce, and you have a healthy vegetarian dinner that's a cinch to make.

For the recipe, keep reading.

Chickpea Delight: Couscous With Beans and Cauliflower

FitSugar — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 07:00:48 PDT

For me, September doesn't only mean back-to-school time; it's also back-to-cooking time. For dinner inspiration I am loving Martha Rose Shulman's new cookbook, The Very Best of Recipes For Health. Don't let the word "health" in the title fool you; her recipes are big on flavor and easy to make.

Since I'm eating meat-free for the FitSugar Give It Up Challenge, I have been looking to beans for protein. Nothing beats chickpeas as a filling dinner; remember, garbanzo beans are a dieter's friend. Add some spicy harissa and you have a memorable dish.

Check out the recipe.

Healthy Dose Link Time

FitSugar — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 11:00:18 PDT

Kangoo Jumps, Zenergy, and ViPR: new fitness classes to get excited about - Shape
Not a fan of spinach? Researchers say it may be an eating disorder - Diet Blog
A chickpea salad worth fighting over - Oh She Glows
10 "vices" that are high on health and low on guilt - Health
Turn yourself into a runner with these tips - Fit Bottomed Girls
Homemade vegan chocolate cake in under five minutes - The Fitnessista

Monday's Leftovers: Linguine With Zucchini and Chickpeas

YumSugar — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 07:00:36 PDT

A hectic start to the week calls for a laid-back Monday night meal that's light on time and fuss. Make it both meatless and stress-free by composing a basic pasta dish from last night's leftover zucchini, as well as pantry items you've already got on hand.

Rather than overpowering the mellow flavors of garbanzo beans and zucchini, dress them simply with salt and your favorite olive oil, then infuse the oil with garlic and red pepper for a bit of bite. Toss in al dente pasta and grated Parmesan, and you've got a drama-free dinner. Want the recipe? Get it now.