Indian Coronation Chickpea Chaat

Chickpeas are this tiny but mighty legume is native to India and it is a common staple in their diets. In the early 1900s, it was introduced to the UK by the British Raj and is now a common ingredient in both sweet and savoury dishes throughout the country. While chickpea chaat is often served as a side dish in Indian restaurants, it can also be easily made at home and used in sandwiches to add a tasty punch of protein to your meal.

Read on to learn more about the chickpea and why you should be eating them more often!

Where does the chickpea come from?

India has a rich culinary tradition that is centered around the use of pulses and legumes as the foundation of many of their most popular dishes. They are known for producing some of the finest and freshest produce in the world and have perfected the art of home cooking. Their cuisine combines many different flavours and spices to create a variety of unique and delicious dishes. It also makes use of a wide variety of different ingredients, including chickpeas, to produce a variety of different textures and tastes.

Chickpeas originated in Northern Africa and are native to countries like India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Egypt. They are a staple in the Indian diet and are commonly used in a variety of sweet and savoury dishes. They are also used to make a range of popular snacks such as samosas and falafels. They are usually eaten with a spicy curry paste or as part of a salad or as a side dish with rice.

What are chickpeas?

Also known as garbanzo beans or chickpeas, the chickpea is a legume that is high in fibre and protein. It is smaller than your average bean and has a light colour and a nutty flavour. It also has a mild taste that is similar to a mixture of peas and nuts.

When prepared correctly, it has a pleasant texture that complements a wide range of dishes. It has a creamy consistency and a slightly grainy feel when chewed. This distinctive characteristic lends itself well to plant-based cooking as it easily blends into many traditional recipes.

There are many different types of beans available in the world today, but the most popular type is chickpeas. They are made up of 70% carbohydrates and 25% protein and are also an excellent source of vitamin B6, folate, and Iron. They are very low in calories and fat, making them the perfect snack for health-conscious individuals. They are rich in monounsaturated fats, which help to lower cholesterol and increase insulin sensitivity in the body. For this reason, they have also been found to reduce the risk of heart disease and promote weight loss in overweight individuals.

Coronation Chickpea Recipe

This coronation chickpea recipe is a great sandwich filler. You can serve it on its own inside lettuce cups as a healthy snack or you can add it to your favourite sandwich or wrap to give it a delicious twist. This recipe provides a good amount of protein that will keep you feeling full for longer and they are packed full of vitamins and nutrients that are essential for good overall health.

This recipe makes around 4-6 servings.

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tin chickpeas, drained
• 2 tbsp vegan yogurt or 1 tbsp vegan mayo + 1 tbsp vegan yogurt, I used plain oat yogurt
• 2 tbsp raisins
• 1 tbsp mango chutney
• 1/4 red onion, diced
• 1 tsp nigella seeds
• 1 tbsp curry powder, I used a chana masala blend
• 1/2 tsp turmeric, organic is best for flavour
• 1/2 a lemon's or lime juice
• Black pepper and salt to taste

METHOD

1. Mash the chickpeas leaving some whole.
2. Mix all of the ingredients in a bowl, taste and season as necessary.
3. Serve the coronation chickpea in a sandwich, baguette, pita bread, salad, baked potato, or as a side dish.

Enjoy!

Recipe by Rose Wyles - The Vegan Nutritionist

For professional assistance in adopting a healthy and nutritious plant-based diet, kindly reach out to me using the form provided below. I can help you address any possible nutrient deficiencies or health concerns and ensure that your nutritional needs are met through the consumption of plant-based foods.

Additionally, use my services to create a customised plan for reaching your health and wellness goals which includes personalised meal plans, nutritional advice, tasty plant-based recipes, and more.

Start your journey to better health and wellness today!