Chickpea Delight

Chickpea Delight Recipe with Veggie Ground Meat and Spices

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 8-9 hours | Servings: 4-6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Chickpea Delight is a flavorful and hearty dish that is perfect for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. This recipe combines the earthy taste of chickpeas with a blend of aromatic spices to create a dish that is both satisfying and nutritious.

History

Chickpea Delight has its roots in Indian cuisine, where chickpeas are a staple ingredient in many dishes. This recipe has been adapted and modified over the years to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

2 cans (15 oz / 425 g) of chickpeas
1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) of diced tomatoes in juice
1 package (14 oz / 397 g) of crumbled veggie ground meat
3 medium cloves of garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
1 inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
1 tsp of freshly ground pepper
1 tsp of ground cloves
1 tsp of ground cumin
0.5 tsp of ground cardamom
0.5 tsp of ground coriander
0.5 tsp of salt
2 bay leaves
1 inch piece of cinnamon stick

How to prepare

Drain the chickpeas and reserve 0.75 cup of the liquid.
In a 3.5 qt (3.31 liter) or larger electric slow cooker, combine the chickpeas with the reserved liquid, diced tomatoes with their liquid, Lightlife Gimme Lean™, garlic, onion, and ginger.
Stir in the pepper, cloves, cumin, cardamom, coriander, salt, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick.
Cover and cook on low heat for 8 to 9 hours.
Remove and discard the bay leaves and cinnamon stick.
Serve hot.

Variations

You can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or carrots to the dish for extra nutrition and flavor.
For a spicier version, you can add chili powder or red pepper flakes to the spice mix.
You can also use different types of beans like black beans or kidney beans instead of chickpeas for a variation in texture and taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to drain and rinse the chickpeas before using them in the recipe to remove any excess salt or preservatives.

- For a richer flavor, you can sauté the garlic, onion, and ginger in a little oil before adding them to the slow cooker.

- Adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preferences. You can also add other spices like turmeric or chili powder for a different flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Chickpea Delight can be served over rice or with a side of naan bread for a complete meal. You can also top it with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

This recipe uses a slow cooker to simmer the ingredients together slowly, allowing the flavors to meld and develop over time. You can also make this dish on the stovetop or in a pressure cooker for a quicker cooking time.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have veggie ground meat, you can use crumbled tofu or cooked lentils as a substitute. You can also use canned tomatoes instead of diced tomatoes if that's what you have on hand.

Make Ahead Tips

Chickpea Delight can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze leftovers for longer storage.

Presentation Ideas

You can garnish Chickpea Delight with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. Serve it in a bowl or on a plate with a side of rice or bread.

Pairing Recommendations

Chickpea Delight pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with a side of yogurt or raita for a cooling contrast to the spices.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Chickpea Delight in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Chickpea Delight contains approximately 250 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Chickpea Delight contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates, making it a good source of energy for your body.

Fats

This dish is low in fat, with only about 5 grams of fat per serving. The use of veggie ground meat instead of traditional meat helps to keep the fat content low.

Proteins

Chickpeas are a great source of plant-based protein, with each serving of Chickpea Delight providing around 15 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Chickpeas are rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, magnesium, and vitamin B6. This dish also contains a good amount of vitamin C from the diced tomatoes.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy in the form of veggie ground meat, so it may not be suitable for those with soy allergies.

Summary

Chickpea Delight is a nutritious and balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Summary

Chickpea Delight is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and full of flavor. With a good balance of carbohydrates, protein, and essential vitamins and minerals, it is a great option for a healthy and satisfying meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was during a trip to a bustling market in Morocco, where the air was filled with the intoxicating scent of exotic spices and the sound of vendors haggling over the price of their goods. As I weaved through the crowded stalls, my eyes landed on a small, unassuming shop tucked away in a corner.

Curious, I made my way towards it and was greeted by a kind old woman with weathered hands and a warm smile. She beckoned me inside and gestured towards a pot simmering on a small stove. The aroma that wafted from it was heavenly, a tantalizing mix of cumin, coriander, and other spices that I couldn't quite place.

In broken English, the woman explained that she was making a traditional dish called Chickpea Delight, a staple in Moroccan cuisine. She showed me the ingredients she used – chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, and an array of spices – and patiently walked me through the cooking process, demonstrating each step with skill and precision.

I was mesmerized by her expertise, the way she effortlessly combined flavors and textures to create a dish that was both comforting and exotic. As I watched her cook, a newfound passion ignited within me, a desire to learn and master the art of Moroccan cuisine.

After hours of watching, tasting, and taking notes, the woman handed me a handwritten recipe for Chickpea Delight, a precious gift that I would treasure for years to come. With a grateful heart and a promise to honor her teachings, I bid her farewell and left the shop, eager to recreate the magic of that day in my own kitchen.

Back home, I wasted no time in gathering the ingredients and setting to work. The familiar scents of cumin and coriander filled my kitchen, transporting me back to that bustling market in Morocco. I chopped onions, diced tomatoes, and simmered chickpeas in a fragrant broth, following the woman's instructions with care and reverence.

As the dish came together, I couldn't help but marvel at how a simple recipe could carry so much history and tradition within its flavors. Each mouthful was a journey through time and space, a taste of a culture that was rich and vibrant in its diversity.

Over the years, I perfected my version of Chickpea Delight, adding my own twists and tweaks to make it truly my own. I shared it with friends and family, who marveled at its complexity and depth of flavor, and soon it became a staple in my own kitchen, a reminder of that fateful day in Morocco that changed the course of my culinary journey.

As I write this, I can't help but feel grateful for the chance encounter that led me to discover the magic of Chickpea Delight. It's more than just a recipe, it's a connection to a world beyond my own, a reminder of the power of food to bridge cultures and bring people together.

And so, whenever I make this dish, I think of the kind old woman who shared her knowledge with me, and I send a silent thank you to her for opening my eyes to the wonders of Moroccan cuisine. Chickpea Delight will always hold a special place in my heart, a symbol of the joy and inspiration that can be found in the simple act of cooking and sharing a meal with loved ones.