(MEATLESS/VEGETARIAN/VEGAN RECIPES) If you’re craving something salty or sweet but know chips or cookies will probably leave you feeling bloated and just kind of ick, then you need to try this healthy alternative—chickpeas.
I’ve always loved adding them to my salad, and I could probably eat my body weight in hummus, but they were never my go-to for snacking until I roasted them.
It’s so simple. Just add your favorite flavors, mix, bake and voila…a tasty, low-fat treat!
Earlier this week, Elana gave us a hearty chickpea dinner, but when you’re just looking for something salty to snack on try these:
Savory Roasted Chickpeas
Ingredients:
- 1 15 oz can garbanzo beans (drained & rinsed)
- 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp minced garlic
- 1/2 tsp red cayenne pepper
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°. Spread garbanzo beans on paper towel and pat completely dry.
Combine soy sauce, honey, garlic and cayenne pepper in medium size bowl and mix thoroughly. Stir in beans until fully coated. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with olive oil cooking spray. Spread beans on paper in a single layer and bake for 30 to 45 minutes (tossing half way in between.) Taste test a bean after 30 minutes, if it’s still soft continue cooking until crunchy. Let cool and enjoy!
Nutrition: 100 calories/2.5 oz serving (serves 6)/4g protein/3.5g fiber
If you have a sweet tooth that needs satisfying…
Ingredients:
- 1 15 oz can garbanzo beans
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp pure grade A maple syrup (aside from being healthier, processed sweeteners can cause bloating)
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
Follow the same cooking directions as above using these ingredients. Make sure you use pure maple syrup and not one made from processed sugars like corn syrup—it’s loaded with antioxidants that help prevent cancer and also works as a natural anti-ager for your skin (just think about all the money you’ll save on night creams).
Nutrition: 98 calories/2.5 serving (serves 6)/4g protein/3.5g fiber
These are my preferences, but definitely experiment with your favorite flavors to create your own perfect snack. I actually like combining the two, so I can taste both sweet and savory in one yummy mouthful.
Just one word of warning—as healthy as these snacks are, they’re not really low-cal (see calorie content above), so if you’re watching your weight, still enjoy all the healthy goodness, just tread lightly.
— Lisa Singer, exclusive to Global Animal
You must log in to post a comment.