Double Whammy! Chickpea (Garbanzo) Bean Mediterranean Salad & Crunchy Snack

Lately I haven't been moving much (wooohooo library hibernation). So, I thought it would be best if I took a break from the desserts and made something a little healthier...a lot healthier, actually. These recipes are ridiculously easy and very satisfying! You can serve the salad as a side, or make it your lunch! There's definitely enough protein to make it a meal. The snack is great for munching on when you want to get that salty-crunchy fix OR you can toss some in a salad in place of of caloric croutons!

Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a great source of zinc, folate, fiber, and protein. They're low-fat and low-cal. PLUS, made right, they can be very tasty! [credit: Wikipedia]

Here are two recipes that utilize these bad boys in the best ways! Remember, all of my measurements are suggestions. Use the proportions that satisfy you most.

Mediterranean Garbanzo Bean Salad

What you'll need:

- 1 can of garbanzo beans

-1/2 tsp of cumin

- 1/2 lemon

- handful of chopped cilantro

- salt & pepper to taste

- 1 tbsp olive oil

- 1/2 tbsp dijon mustard

- 1/2 small onion, chopped

How you make it: 

First, drain the beans and rise them. After you shake off all of the excess water, place the beans in a small bowl, juice the lemon, and add the rest of the ingredients. Carefully mix it all together (you don't want to turn the beans into mush). You can eat right away or refrigerate for a couple of hours to make it even better! Quick and simple! 

Crunchy Garbanzo Bean Snack

What you'll need:

- tbsp olive oil

- 1 can of garbanzo beans

- your favorite seasoning mix (I used the Adobo seasoning I featured in my previous POST. I really want to try using Tony's Creole Seasoning!)

How you make it:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Then, rinse the beans and shake off any excess water. Next, spread the beans across a double layer of paper towels to dry them even morer. Once your oven is fully preheated, remove the paper towel and spread the beans across a baking pan (I suggest you use one that has a rim so they don't roll off the sides.)  Pour the olive oil over the beans and mix it around, making sure to get every bean coated. 

Then just pop it in the oven on the middle rack and let it cook for 35-40 mins. When you take the beans out of the oven, immediately sprinkle them with a coating of your desired seasoning. As the beans cool they will become even crispier. Munch away!