What are Garbanzo Beans?

Garbanzo beans, otherwise known as chickpeas, are small cream-colored beans. These beans have been around for the past 7,000 years and were originally cultivated in the Middle East. 

They have a nutty, buttery flavor and are now popular throughout the world.

Health Benefits of Garbanzo Beans

Garbanzo beans are awesome for you! They are high in fiber to help keep you full. Fiber is also great for your digestive tract, keeping you regular. 

Garbanzo beans are a good source of protein, making them a great alternative to meat. Vitamins and minerals in garbanzo beans include magnesium, zinc, thiamine, vitamin B6, copper, folate, phosphorus, and iron. 

With all these health benefits and more garbanzo beans are definitely something to add to your diet!

Ways to Use Garbanzo Beans

A great thing about garbanzo beans is they are so versatile and can be made into many different dishes. 

Here is a list of my favorite ways to eat them:

• Hummus
• On salads
• Add to soups
• Roasted with spices and herbs
• In wraps or gyros (check out the awesome recipe below!) 
• Added to sandwiches
• Bean burgers

Roasted Chickpea Gyros

Ingredients

• 1 15 oz can (425 g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 Tbsp (15 mL) olive oil
• 1 Tbsp (6.8 g) paprika*
• 1 tsp (3 g) ground black pepper
• ½ tsp (1.5 g) cayenne pepper
• ¼ tsp (1.4 g) salt
• 4 pita flatbreads
• 1 cup (250 g) tzatziki sauce 
• ¼ red onion, cut into strips
• 2 lettuce leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 tomato, sliced

Instructions

1. Pat dry chickpeas with paper towel, removing any skins that may come off.
2. Gently toss chickpeas with oil, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and salt.
3. Spread chickpeas onto a greased rimmed baking sheet and roast at 400 degrees F (200 C) for about 20 minutes, until lightly browned but not hard.
4. Spread some tzatziki onto one side of the pita, then sprinkle in ¼ of the chickpeas and add veggies. Fold in half and enjoy!

* NOTES

• If you don't like spicy foods, half the amounts of paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Taste a chickpea before baking and adjust flavors as needed.
• If your pita breads crack when you fold them, cover them with a moist paper towel and microwave for 20 to 30 seconds. Assemble your sandwich immediately after microwaving.

Recipe courtesy of Live Eat Learn Blog **