When our bodies crave a certain food, it often isn’t that specific food that we are craving. Instead, we are actually craving for the combination of flavours and textures that we experience when eating it. This means that even if you crave foods that aren’t the healthiest, alternatives can be found!
And as a health coach, that is exactly what I am guiding my clients to do.
For example, when we think about savoury Indian snacks, there are several that have a crunchy texture and flavours of spice, tang and salt. Chevda (Bombay mix) and sev are some common ones. And even though these type of snacks taste good, they are fine to have occasionally but, not as a regular snack as they are often deep fried and contain sugar and additives.
Instead, why not replicate the flavours and make a healthier alternative at home?
With this in mind, I am sharing my baked spicy chickpeas; there are flavours of chilli, garlic, cumin and salt, and since they are baked they will have a lovely crunch to them.
This is a great healthy swap to make for shop-bought fried peas and other savoury snacks, especially when you’re craving something crunchy. It’s homemade so you know what has gone into the food and can therefore enjoy it guilt free!
Chickpeas are a great food to incorporate into your diet; they are high in fibre, protein, folate and manganese. Folate helps in the production of healthy red blood cells and manganese is needed for forming connective tissue and bone. The fibre and protein in the chickpeas is also proven to slow digestion meaning that this vegetarian protein source will keep you full for longer.
Ingredients:
3 cups boiled chickpeas
For the dressing combine:
1 1⁄2 tsp smoked paprika
1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
Sea salt and black pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil or melted coconut oil
1 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme
Drain the chickpeas and pat dry with a kitchen towel.
In a large bowl combine the chickpeas with the mix in the dressing with your fingers. Let this sit for about 2 hours for the flavours to be absorbed.
Then in a large baking tray, layer the chickpeas and vegetables, so is a single layer and bake in a pre-heated oven at 180c for about one hour, mixing half way through so it is evenly cooked. The time in the oven may vary, please check depending how crunchy you want it.
These baked chickpeas are crunchy and taste delicious.
And do you know chickpeas are readily available and relatively inexpensive making this a quick, affordable and healthy snack. Give it a try and feel free to alter any ingredients or add any flavours you feel like having.
Would you like more recipes to get healthier, have more energy and to lose weight?
– Get my quick & easy recipe book with 50 healthy recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack time.
– Suitable for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians.
– Ingredients available locally.
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