Some might see an entire menu centered around the lowly chickpea as overkill. Not me. I see it as inspired, creative, and adventurous. Okay, I made that up. Kroger had a great sale on chickpeas and I figured that if I was going to get out the food processor, I would make sure that I got enough use out it.
The Main Dish: Baked Falafel
This is another one from Appetite for Reduction. (I promise I do own more cookbooks, but every time I open this one to make the recipe for one week, I spy one I want for the next. Yes, it is THAT packed with good recipes.) This is a really easy recipe that requires very little chopping (which is where the majority of my kitchen time usually goes). You just throw everything in the food processor, form the result into patties, and bake. I eat it with spinach, red onion, cucumbers, and tomatoes with a squeeze of lemon. And, the best part for my crazy 15 minute lunch period, I don’t even have to reheat it!
The Side: Red Bell Pepper and Broccoli Hummus
The only problem with the above dish is that it does not contain enough veggies for me. So, to make up for that, I made some broccoli hummus (gearing up the food processor again) and sliced some red peppers.
The Dessert: Cookie Dough Dip
I know what you’re thinking. I said chickpeas THREE ways, and you’ve only counted two: falafel and hummus. Your math isn’t off. I stumbled across this recipe and I just had to try it. Now, a more sane person would hold off until the menu was not already packed with the chickpea, but I never claimed to be sane. It is a good thing this cookie dough dip is healthy, because it sure is addictive!
So, there you have it: a main dish, a side, and a dessert all made from chickpeas!
LOL @ “Okay, I made that up.”
I love chickpeas! I just cannot seem to find black chickpeas in this damned city, which annoys me because I use them in indian food all the time. I love making falafel though. I lived off them for several months when I was first living alone a few years ago.