Two All-Star Snacks!

            Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, taste amazing and also have some great health benefits!  They are high in fiber, which is beneficial in lowering your cholesterol and also keeps your blood sugar levels from rising too quickly after a meal.  These beans also have a great protein count.  They have a wonderful buttery taste and can be used in many different ways.  When combined with a whole grain product they are a complete protein.  This is a great option for anyone trying to cut down on their consumption of meat.  I enjoy chickpeas in many different ways.  Here are two of my favorites:

Roasted Chickpeas are a stand-by in my home.  They are perfect as a snack on their own or  sprinkled over salad instead of croutons.  I love knowing I am eating a healthy snack that has so many benefits!  

Ingredients:

Rimmed Baking Sheet (lightly oiled or use parchment)

1 Can Chickpeas (Drained and Rinsed)

3 Cloves Garlic (Coarsely Chopped

2 tbsp Olive Oil

1 tbsp Fresh Lime Juice

1 tbsp Hot Pepper Flakes

Sea Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper

(sometimes I bake them just with salt and pepper…they are like yummy little chips)

Preheat your oven to 400F and mix all these ingredients together!  Toss them on your baking sheet and spread them out evenly.  Bake for 30 minutes (stirring once). 

This is another one of my stand-by snacks!  I have always loved hummus but making your own beats any store-bought.  You can spice this up by adding cayenne pepper.  You can also add roasted red pepper or jalapenos.

Ingredients:

1 Can Chickpeas

1/2 Cup Chickpea Water (from can)

1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 tbsp Tamari

3 Garlic Cloves

3 tbsp Tahini (sesame butter)

Splash of Lemon Juice

Puree all ingredients in a food processor until smooth!

I use hummus in salads in place of a creamy dressing (the garlic hummus tastes just like Caesar Salad Dressing but without all the calories!).  I also love using hummus on wraps or sandwiches as a spread!  There is nothing better than sitting down with a quarter cup of hummus and fresh cut vegetables and snacking away!

I hope you all enjoy these recipes as much as I do!  As always, I love hearing from you!  If you have any questions or would like me to discuss any topics, email me!

Amy Layne

amylayne@damyhealth.com

www.damyhealth.com