Chickpeas

Benefits of Eating Chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans):

– Great for people with type 1 or 2 diabetes: helps lower blood glucose levels, improves blood sugar, improves lipids, and improves insulin levels

– Helps maintain a low blood pressure level

– Helps lower your cholesterol level

– Prevents inflammation

– Decreases tumor growth rates

– Improves digestion

– Good source of protein, carbs, and fiber

Chickpeas

How to Cook/Use Chickpeas

Chickpeas are very popular in the Middle East and can be used for numerous things like salads, soups, sandwiches, snacks, and appetizers.

Hummus

Ingredients:

–   2 cups of chickpeas

– 1/3 cup of tahini (Mediterranean paste that can be found in with condiments at your grocery store)

– 1/4 cup of lemon juice

– 2 cloves of garlic

– 1 tablespoon of olive oil

– 1 teaspoon of parsley

Directions:

– Place all ingredients into a blender or food processor and blend until smooth

– Empty mixture into bowl

– Drizzle olive oil over the mixture

Use your hummus on sandwiches or as a dip with some whole wheat crackers.  Enjoy your hummus!

Chickpea Salad

Ingredients:

– 1 (15 oz) can of chickpeas

– 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

– 2 tablespoons of parsley

– 2 tablespoons of basil

– 2 tablespoons of lemon juice

– 4 teaspoons of olive oil

Directions:

– Mix all ingredients in a bowl

– Chill in a refrigerator so the flavors can blend together for an hour

A great vegetarian lunch or dinner

Share with us and other truckers how you have or plan to use chickpeas by using #NoWChickpeas & join our Facebook group: Healthy Trucking