Chickpea Patties

There’s something about chickpeas that keeps me coming back for more. Hummus, patties, or toppings for salads, chickpeas are quite versatile and taste good. Chickpeas, or garbanzo beans, are in the legume family. Like any real food, it has nutritive benefits to help a body stay healthy and strong. As a vegetarian, I often get asked about how I get my protein. As Americans, we are all consumed with protein needs, and many people consume way more protein (usually animal protein) than is needed. That extra protein stresses the kidneys and binds up the digestive track. Eating whole, natural foods, like garbanzo beans, is a great way to not only get protein, but the necessary fiber to promote health and wellbeing. Just one cup of garbanzo beans yields 12.5 grams of fiber and one-third of an adult’s protein needs. Anyway you stack it, these legumes are a great choice. Below is a recipe I wanted to share. It’s quick, easy and can be made during the work week. Consider doubling the batch and freezing the extras.

Chickpea Patties

Ingredients:

• 1 medium sized onion, finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp cumin

• 1 tsp coriander

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp pink salt

• 1 15.5 can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained

• 2 tsp avocado oil

Directions:

1. In a skillet, add 1/4 cup water along with onion and garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent and soft. Add spices, stirring to combine. Keep warm.

2. In a food processor, add 1 cup garbanzo beans. Pulse until chopped but not smooth. Remove and set aside in a medium mixing bowl.

3. Add remaining garbanzo beans along with onion mixture. Process until smooth.

4. Add blended mixture to bowl with chopped garbanzo beans and combine.

5. Add avocado oil in a skillet on medium heat.

6. Using your hands, pat out four patties and place in the skillet. Cook for 4-6 minutes turning over once, or until golden brown. Serve immediately.

**I like to place aioli on mine, but use any condiment you like.

Quinoa and Garbanzo Bean Salad

Here is yet another quinoa recipe that can be served warm or cold.  So if time is an issue, don't fret, no cooling time is required.

Quinoa and Garbanzo Bean Salad

• 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa
• 1 cup water
• 1 (15-ounce) can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
• 3/4 cup broccoli, chopped
• 1 glove garlic, minced(may add more)
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp dried tarragon
• 2 tsp prepared mustard
• 2 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Bring the quinoa and water to a boil, lower heat and simmer until liquid has evaporated, 15-20 minutes.
2. While quinoa is cooking, chop broccoli and mince garlic.  Place in a mixing bowl along with rinsed garbanzo beans.  Add quinoa, lemon juice, tarragon, mustard, and olive oil.  Stir until evenly mixed.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.

adapted from Allrecipes.com