ROASTED SPICED CHICKPEAS? YES, PLEASE!

Get to know chickpeas and why it will soon become your favorite new pulse to snack on..

As one of the hottest (and most nutritious) food trends right now, pulses are full of fiber, protein, and other essential nutrients to fuel your day. Let’s get to know the chickpea with nutrition Expert Jessica Patel, and why it will soon become your favorite new pulse to snack on!

First of all you might be wondering, “what’s a pulse”? You are probably more familiar with pulses than you think! Pulses are a type of crop harvested for the edible dry seed. The most common pulses are dried beans, dried peas and dried lentils. So, if you eat black beans, chickpeas, kidney beans, red lentils or black eyed peas, you eat pulses.

Although people around the world have eaten pulses for hundreds of years, these little loves are finally getting the recognition they deserve. Since pulses are versatile in cooking and food preparation, you can now find pulses in a variety of products and forms, such as pasta, snacks, and flour.

Here are a few reasons to include pulses in your diet on a regular basis:

NUTRITIOUS

Noteworthy nutrients: fiber, protein and healthy carbohydrates which all keep you feeling fuller longer. Research shows that including pulses regularly in the diet can help improve blood sugar regulation, and support weight loss.

AFFORDABLE

Depending on where you shop, canned beans range from $.79 to $1.25 per can and dried pulses range from $1.99-$2.99 per pound.

SUSTAINABLE

These crops actually help improve soil health and require less pesticides and water than other crops.

Here’s a recipe for Roasted Spiced Chickpeas, featuring chickpeas tossed with vibrant, savory spices and roasted in the oven until crunchy. I love these to crunch on as a protein-rich snack, tossed on a salad, or use as a garnish in soup.

INGREDIENTS
  • 2-15 ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 teaspoons olive oil
SPICE BLEND
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
Head on over for the full instructions!

Jessica Patel, RDN, LDN is a Chicago-based private practice dietitian who helps others connect with good food through simple, healthful cooking techniques. With a love for wholesome, natural food, Jessica uses a holistic-minded approach to nutrition to help her clients stay healthy through the healing power of nourishing foods. Visit her at Well Fed Nutrition.