For the ultimate in convenience foods to eat while you’re trying to lose weight, you can’t go past a tin of chickpeas.
A great source of fibre and protein, chickpeas are also tasty and kid-friendly. They can be stored for a long time in the pantry so they’ll be ready to roll when you are.
Keep a few tins on hand so that you can whip up these healthy eating meals and snacks whenever you need something healthy for the family.
1. Chickpea And Mince Curry
430 cal
This healthy curry uses plenty of kitchen staples, including chickpeas, tinned tomatoes, frozen peas and mince. This is sure to be a hit with the whole family. It freezes well too so why not make a double batch and freeze a family-sized portion for another night.
Recipe here.
2. Spicy Hummus Dip
This recipe makes plenty of hummus as it uses two tins of chickpeas. Keep it stored in the fridge in a glass jar so that it catches your eye when you open the fridge looking for a healthy snack.
Recipe here.
3. Chocolate Chip Chickpea Protein Cookies
103 cal
Yes you read that right, chickpeas in a sweet biscuit! Making your own protein-rich snacks like these is a great way to keep hunger at bay in the busy afternoon rush. Enjoy with a cup of tea for the ideal afternoon tea.
Recipe here.
4. Tomato & Chickpea Bake
333 cal
Here’s a great comfort-food meal that is perfect for the cooler weather. Enjoying meat free meals a few times a week is not only great for your health, it’s also great for losing baby weight and for your budget.
Recipe here.
5. Spinach & Chickpea Burgers
39 cal
A handful of ingredients and a mixture of spices is all you need for these vegetarian burger patties. Enjoy in a roll or wrap, or serve with some healthy dip such as hummus or tzatziki and a crisp green salad for a nutritious lunch.
Recipe here.
6. Magic Ingredient Chocolate Fudge
108 cal
Fudge is a sweet decadent treat, and this one adds a hit of fibre and protein by using tinned chickpeas to bulk it up.
Recipe here.
7. Spicy Falafel Burgers
175 cal
Fresh lemon, garlic, chilli and a load of dried spices make these falafels a tasty must-try recipe. Make these as burgers to enjoy for dinner or little balls to have as a snack.
Recipe here.
8. Chocolate Hummus
172 cal
If the picture didn’t catch your eye – the word ‘chocolate’ probably did! For a fun twist on traditional hummus, try our delicious recipe from the 28 Day Challenge which we are sharing with you today.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup hazelnuts (40 grams)
- 5 pitted, dried dates (75 grams)
- 2 tablespoons water (40 mls)
- 160 grams of tinned chickpeas, drained
- 1 tablespoon cacao/cocoa powder (8 grams)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (20 mls)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 mls)
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (0.25 grams)
- 6 apple (600 grams)
Method
- Drain and rinse chickpeas. Place hazelnuts in a food processor and pulse to a fine meal, around 1 minute.
- Add the remaining ingredients, excluding the apples and continue to process until smooth.
- Divide hummus into 6 portions, approximately 2 & 1/2 tablespoons per serve. Serve with 1 sliced apple per serve to dip into hummus.
- Serves: 6.
