Chickpeas 4 Ways

Chickpeas often conjure up thoughts of flavourful Middle Eastern or Indian dishes, but did you know that one of Saskatchewan’s most important crops is actually the chickpea (or garbanzo bean, as some like to call it)?

That’s right, folks; Saskatchewan is the top Canadian producer of this delicious pulse crop, and Canada is one of the top exporters of chickpeas worldwide. Let’s just hope they leave some for us to enjoy!

On top of their rich, hearty texture, chickpeas are also nutritional powerhouses, boasting protein, fibre, good carbs, and a variety of vitamins and minerals (including thiamine, folate, manganese, and zinc, among other nutrients). They’ve also been shown to be beneficial in reducing cholesterol and regulating blood sugar levels.

Further, flour made from chickpeas is an excellent alternative for those with celiac disease or who have a gluten intolerance. And chickpeas themselves are so versatile that they can be added to nearly everything, from soups, stews, and chilis, to pastas, salads, and wraps.

To incorporate more of these nutritional nuggets in your diet, check out the following alive kitchen-tested recipes.

Roasted Chickpeas
For a tasty party treat or a guilt-free stay-in movie night snack, whip up a batch of these nutty roasted chickpeas. For a crunchier snack, continue roasting the chickpeas until they’re nice and golden and have shrunk in size from losing their moisture.

Chickpea Goji Berry Salad
This super salad boasts protein-rich chickpeas and antioxidant-loaded goji berries. Make a batch of this delicious concoction on a Sunday night and take it for lunch throughout the week.

Moroccan Stuffed Red Peppers
These vegetarian stuffed peppers get a hefty serving of protein from the chickpeas, while the homemade ras el hanout spice blend provides an exotic kick.

Pumpkin Chickpea Hummus
The classic chickpea recipe—with a twist. Pumpkin adds a sweet touch to the versatile dip, while still maintaining its traditional Middle Eastern flair thanks to the chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic.