One of the biggest concerns for anyone going meatless, even if for just one day, is protein. Despite the fact that there are umpteen mind-blowing tofu recipes out there, some folks just can’t get down with the bean curd. Since you can’t (and don’t want to) rely on power bars for every meal, you need to get creative. Chickpeas are a great place to start. These legumes can offer you so much more than hummus, and we’ve got 19 mouth-watering recipes to prove it.
1. Mediterranean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes With Chickpeas and Avocado Tahini: These are loaded potatoes like you’ve never seen them before. Swapping out the greasy cheese and heavy sour cream for marinated chickpeas, creamy avocado tahini, crumbled feta and crunchy pepitas has never been easier. (via A Saucy Kitchen)
2. Moroccan Chickpea Tagine: This bright and flavorful chickpea tagine is what comfort food is all about. The dish is incredibly versatile, so you can change it up every now and again by serving it on rice or quinoa, or stuffing it inside a warm pita. (via In Pursuit of More)
3. Koshary: This hearty bowl of belly-warming goodness is considered one of Egypt’s national dishes. Lentils, chickpeas, rice and pasta are smothered with a fiery tomato sauce and topped with crispy fried onions. Sign us up! (via Matters of the Belly)
4. Easy Vegan Gluten-Free Falafel With Tahini Sauce: If you’re on the go and need to satisfy your hunger with a healthy bite to eat, these falafel are the way to go. Perfect in a wrap or on their own, they offer you a simple and tasty meal that will fill you up without weighing you down. (via Veggies Don’t Bite)
5. Spiced Carrot and Chickpea Salad: We all have those days where we find ourselves craving a big ol’ salad. Cumin-roasted chickpeas and glazed roasted carrots are total game-changers in this rustic and healthful blend. (via Lazy Cat Kitchen)
6. Barbecue Chickpea Socca Salad Pizza With Vegan Ranch Dressing: Healthy pizza? OH, OKAY. These chickpea pancakes are adorned with even more chickpea goodness and slathered with barbecue sauce, making them impossible to resist. (via Loveleaf)
7. Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpea Soup: Whether you love or dread the chilly weather, there’s no denying the excitement of the soups and stews that come with it. This thick and creamy soup is no exception. (via Annie a la Mode)
8. Quick Curried Chickpea Wraps: These swoon-worthy chickpea wraps will surely become the norm in your weekly meatless meal rotation. Simmered in spices, chickpeas are then rolled alongside some leafy greens, forbidden rice and a Greek yogurt sauce that will blow your mind. (via Girl Adulting)
9. Bulgar Salad With Roasted Chickpeas and Red Peppers: Chickpeas are quickly becoming a vegetarian’s go-to for protein these days, and there’s no reason to wonder why. This flavor-packed salad shows us just how adaptable the beloved legume is. (via Unrefined RD)
10. Chickpea Tomato Minestrone: This simple and flavorsome soup is the perfect thing to warm you up on chilly weeknights. Loaded with invigorating veggies, pasta and chickpeas, this dish is a square meal on its own. (via Vegetarian ‘Ventures)
11. Stuffed Butternut Squash With Quinoa Cranberries and Kale: After you’ve indulged in weekend outings and heavy Sunday dinners, these festive squash boats are exactly what your Meatless Monday needs. When you’re craving something healthy and nourishing, it’s hard to beat fall veggies, whole grains and lean proteins. (via Well Plated)
12. Cajun Chickpea Burgers: The idea of a veggie burger is one of total brilliance, but — if not molded properly — can turn out to be a (literal) flop. Blended with breadcrumbs and a flax egg, this patty keeps it together to give you a wholesome sandwich that’s both piquant and tasty. (via The Almond Eater)
13. Mole-Spiced Chickpea and Grilled Zucchini Tacos: Some recipes are created unwittingly, and it’s hard to believe that this is one of them. These fresh and vivid tacos are a result of a fridge-purge gone awesome, and you’ll be planning for them from now on. (via Snixy Kitchen)
14. General Tso’s Chickpeas: General Tso’s chicken is an extremely popular choice when it comes to Chinese takeout; it’s delicious, filling and super comforting. If you find yourself with a hankering for it while wanting to stay true to your Meatless Monday tradition, this chickpea variation has your name on it. (via Yup.. It’s Vegan!)
15. Vegan Power Bowls: If you want to quickly nourish your bod between work and spin class, look no further. This vegan and GF power bowl packs the punch you need with an abundance of wholesome ingredients, including protein-rich chickpeas and yummy sweet potatoes. (via Avocado Pesto)
16. Slow Cooker Curry Stew With Chickpeas, Sweet Potatoes and Kale: When you notice your eating habits have been less than stellar and you need to hit the reset button, opt for this soothing stew. You can have comfort in a bowl *and* get your nutrition in with chickpeas, leafy greens and other veggies. (via The Homemade Haus)
17. Turmeric Roasted Chickpea Carrot Salad With Apple Cider Tahini Dressing: This wholesome, easy-to-make salad just might become a go-to dish in your household, whether you serve it as a main or an exciting side. Rainbow carrots and chickpeas are tossed in turmeric, roasted to perfection and drizzled with a creamy tahini dressing. (via Cotter Crunch)
18. Sheetpan Chickpea Fajitas With Cumin-Lime Crema: As much as we long for tacos on Taco Tuesday, fajitas can be a nice change of pace. Drizzled with a tantalizing crema, these chickpea-filled tortillas are the perfect excuse to bring fajitas to the table on your Meatless Monday. (via VeggieTOT)
19. Zucchini and Avocado Salad With Herb “Mayo” and Chickpea Croutons: For some, salad just isn’t good enough without big and crunchy croutons. Sadly, croutons don’t offer many nutrients (if any). Chickpeas up the salad game in this recipe by bringing crunch, flavor, substance and protein. High five to that! (via The Healthy Hunter)
