A few years ago I did a Plant Based Challenge with the
FASTer Way community. I've never been a big plant eater, so this challenge forced me out of my comfort zone. Surprisingly, I found a lot of recipes that have become favorites and want to share two of them with you!
Chickpeas are legumes and a great source of plant protein and fiber. Eating chickpeas is good for gut health and digestion and can help lower cholesterol. You should be eating at least 100 grams of protein daily if you have reached peri-menopause. Fiber will help balance blood sugar levels which can help reduce hot flashes.
I have two go-to chickpea recipes. One is simple and one is not. Both are delicious and both are from FASTer Way Vegan Meal Guides.
1/2 can chickpeas
3 TBS BBQ sauce - I use Primal Kitchen
2 cups romaine lettuce
1/4 cup corn, carrot and onion
For BBQ Chickpeas -> Add chickpeas and sauce to pan and cook over medium heat until sauce starts to get sticky (8-10 minutes). Stir as they cook.
Dressing:
1 TBS tahini
1 TBS lemon juice
1/4 tsp garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley
1/8 tsp dried dill
3/4 tsp apple cider vinegar, water
1/2 cup dry rolled oats
1/4 cup cooked chickpeas
2 2/3 TBS hummus - I use Cedar's
2 TBS finely diced red onion
1 TBS fresh chopped parsley
1 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp ground cumin
1/16 cayenne pepper
salt & pepper to taste
1 1/2 tsp olive oil
2 TBS chopped baby spinach (optional)
Add all ingredients to a food processor and pulse until rough chop. Add more hummus if needed to bind the burgers together. You want the mixture to hold together easily when squeezed, but you don’t want it too wet. Because moisture levels in hummus can vary, I suggest starting with less hummus then adding a little more at a time until your mixture holds together when you squeeze it. Divide the burger mixture into fourths. Using your hands, form four patties about 4 inches in diameter. Heat a large saute pan over medium heat. When hot, add the olive oil. When the olive oil is hot, add the burgers. Cook on one side for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown. Flip and cook on the other side for 2-3 more minutes, until browned. Serve immediately over a salad, or on its own.
*I used the same dressing from the BBQ Chickpea recipe!
Bonus - Chickpea Tuna Avocado Salad
1/2 can tuna
1/2 cup cooked chickpeas
1/4 cucumber
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes
1/4 avocado
2 TBS red onion
Italian dressing - or same from above!
Want to try more FASTer Way recipes? Join 5 Days to Melt Your Middle
here or download my FREE Anti Diet Guide
here.
Questions? Leave a comment below or message me on my socials!