When chickpeas first come to mind, you might think of your favorite food-truck falafel or vegan Moroccan curry, but most likely the first thing you crave is hummus. News flash… chickpeas are SO much more than hummus! By now you may have dabbled with a chickpea dessert or two, and even embraced pulses recipes to add more nutrition to your diet, but you can still branch out even further. The following unique chickpea recipes include everything from faux Scotch eggs to a surprisingly simple chickpea “meatloaf.” Put down your pita chips and take notes, because these 18 chickpea recipes will be gracing your table before you know it.
1. Avocado Toast With Smashed Chickpeas and Pepper Relish: Avocado toast is probably your go-to for a quick lunch, but at this point, it’s getting a bit boring. Spice it up by topping your toast with smashed chickpeas, pepper relish and a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like it hot. (via Chili Pepper Madness)
2. Fudgey Chocolate Chickpea Brownies: You may have tried (or a least thought about trying) black bean brownies, but have you experienced the bliss that is a chickpea brownie? They’re sweet, chocolatey and fudgey, just like your favorite boxed brownie that’s full of additives. Avoid those and reach for these when you’re craving something sweet. (via Reaching for Greens)
3. Chickpea and Chorizo Shakshuka: Whether you decide to eat this for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you’re in for a comforting and filling meal that *may* just become your new fave. The best part is that it only dirties one pan, so you can spend more time enjoying your hard work and less time on cleanup. Serve with a crusty slice of bread to soak up all of those delicious flavors. (via Drizzle and Dip)
4. Chickpea, Sweet Potato and Avocado Freezer Wraps: You’re a busy gal, and that means quick lunches are an absolute must. Make a huge batch of these healthy wraps on a Sunday, and you’ll have a fast and nutritious lunch every day of the week. You can also freeze them to keep for even longer. (via The Girl on Bloor)
5. Classic Chickpea “Egg” Salad Sandwiches: If you’re new to veganism, there may be some non-vegan dishes you still crave on the reg. If egg salad is one of them, worry no more. This chickpea version is totally vegan, and scarily similar to the original. (via I Love Vegan)
6. Panelle: Italian Chickpea and Veggie Fritters: With so many allergies and dietary restrictions out there, it can be difficult when planning recipes for a dinner party. These fritters are vegan, gluten-free and soy, nut and egg free, making them a great choice to serve to almost anyone. Did we mention they’re also totally delicious and easy? (via Coley Cooks)
7. Spicy Garlic Oven-Roasted Chickpeas: Sure, popcorn is great, but sometimes we need to switch up our movie-viewing snack of choice. These crispy and spicy roasted chickpeas are great for munching during a Netflix binge or as a homemade party nibble. No judgment if you decide to take a bag of them to the theater. (via Yuri Elkaim)
8. Chickpea Gyro Bowl: This deconstructed version of a vegetarian gyro is both incredibly tasty and *way* easier to eat than the classic sandwich. Top with a drizzle of creamy dill-spiced yogurt sauce for an authentic flavor. (via Emma’s Little Kitchen)
9. Healthy Peanut Butter and Jelly Blondies: Nothing about these blondies looks or tastes healthy. The chickpeas are totally undetectable, so all you taste is creamy peanuts and tart fruit. These gooey bars will be a favorite of adults and children alike. (via Desserts With Benefits)
10. Quinoa, Cauliflower and Chickpea Vegetarian Meatballs With Tahini Sauce: Don’t let your meatless Monday become monotonous. These vegetarian meatballs have a texture comparable to the real thing, but with even more flavor. Serve these on top of a big salad for a complete meal. (via Ahead of Thyme)
11. Seasoned Chickpea Taco Salad With Avocado Ranch Dressing: Just when you think you have nothing to make for dinner, this recipe proves you wrong. It’s made with ingredients that you probably keep on hand, and is way better for you than takeout. Heads up — you should probably make extra dressing, because you’ll want to put it on everything. (via She Likes Food)
12. Smashed Chickpea, Avocado and Quinoa Lettuce Wraps: Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring or expensive. These lettuce wraps are full of zesty flavor and they’re affordable to make, whether you’re serving one or 20. (via Simply Quinoa)
13. Spanish Chickpea and Spinach Stew: You could serve this thick and rich stew over rice or pasta, or simply enjoy it as is. However you choose to eat it, you’ll probably want a nap after polishing off this comforting meal. (via Lazy Cat Kitchen)
14. Tamarind Roasted Chickpea Tacos With Apple and Cabbage Slaw: Gone are the days when tacos meant you were having ground beef, cheddar and pico de gallo. Now tacos can be filled with whatever ingredients you want, from any country you desire. These vegetarian tacos are a fusion of different cuisines with a fresh and crunchy bite from apple and cabbage. (via Craving Amsterdam)
15. Tandoori Chickpea Stuffed Sweet Potatoes With Tahini Lime Drizzle: Whoever said vegan meals can’t be filling obviously never ate these stuffed sweet potatoes. They’re simple, hearty and make great leftovers. You can even repurpose extra spiced chickpeas for a salad topping or midnight snack. (via The Full Helping)
16. Tropical Chickpea Salad: Caribbean flavors light up this flavor-packed salad. Mango, pineapple, cayenne and lime are just a few of the tasty ingredients in the winning combo. Not to mention the fact that it only takes five minutes to come together. (via Averie Cooks)
17. Chickpea Veggie Loaf: This isn’t the meatloaf you grew up eating — it’s so much more. It has all of the draws of classic meatloaf, like the dense texture and yummy flavor, but without all of the fat and horrible cleanup. Present this to your family with mashed potatoes and green beans and they won’t know the meat is missing. (via Vegan Richa)
18. Vegetarian Scotch Eggs: Ovo-lacto vegetarians, rejoice! The once off-limits Scotch egg is now completely attainable for those who don’t eat meat. The chickpea mixture stays true to the sausage flavor and has a very similar texture. Plus, you don’t have to fry them for as long since you’re not cooking raw meat, so your egg yolk can stay nice and runny. (via The Swirling Spoon)
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