Chick-a-peas are my life

Chick-a-boom!

Chick-a-peas: 2 recipes-many ways!

Hummus and vegan un-tuna baby!

Chickpeas or garbanzo beans are definitely my favorite beans in the whole world! In our house we call them chick-a-peas. I have no idea why but you can’t help smiling when you say it! Try it! These flavorful little beans are packed with vitamins and minerals and are a great source of plant-based protein (https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/other/chickpeas.html). Not to mention they are the main ingredient in hummus—which basically is life—amiright?! They also are cheap to buy organic…whether you are soaking them or going the canned route.

These two recipes are cheap, easy, and fast! Plus they can be used together and prepared several different ways—from an easy lunch prep to a more hearty at home dinner!

This first recipe is a classic hummus that you can tailor to your own taste and make it in about 5 minutes in the blender. If you are using a bullet type blender, one can of beans is the perfect amount. For family size, go for the bigger blender or food processor!

Yummus Hummus Recipe:

1 can (15 oz) organic chickpeas (drained)

2 tablespoons olive oil (organic unrefined is best)

Juice from 1 small lemon

1/4 cup Tahini (optional-if opting out, add a bit more olive oil)

Cumin (SO YUM), salt to taste

Any other nom noms you like (I add nutritional yeast for B vitamins and sometimes unflavored vegan protein powder)

Put it all together and what have you got: creamy yummy hummus. If it seems to thick as you are blending add small amounts of water. When serving top it with olive oil and paprika.

My favorite way to eat hummus is to dip you dip we dip! Raw veggies are best and I have a little secret for you! Do you cut the florets off of broccoli off then throw the stem away? Well, kick that habit and slice the stem! It’s soooo tasty with hummus and it the perfect shape for dipping !

A couple notes:

1. If you have the time to peel the skin off the beans, the hummus will come out even creamier.

2. I am not the biggest tahini fan so I leave it out! I just add a bit more oil or add some water for consistency.

3. I often add other spices or flavors in! Play around with adding roasted red pepper, garlic, olives and any other spice that you like. I often add hot sauce for a kick!

OK, so the next recipe will blow your mind. Do you miss tuna melts but not the unsafe heavy metals being absorbed into your body?? Well this vegan chickpea tuna will solve all your problems! Well just the tuna problem at least. Chick-a-boom! This recipe can be made and eaten several different ways! My husband loves a good melted sandwich version while I prefer collard green wraps! Make one big batch and each family member can choose how to prepare it!

Chick-a-boom Un-tuna Recipe:

1 can (15 0z) organic garbanzo beans (drained)

2 tablespoons veganaise

1 small pickle chopped to small squares

Juice of 1/2 a lemon

Fresh organic dill to taste

Salt, smoked paprika to taste, Bragg's all- purpose seasoning is also bomb in this recipe.

Empty the beans into a medium bowls. Add the other ingredients. Using a fork or a potato masher, mash the beans to your desired consistency. Add the other ingredients and mix together. My FAVE spice to add is the smoked paprika but feel free to add cumin and any other spice you like. I like Bragg's all purpose seasoning and I add a pinch of cayenne for a kick. Pickles of your choice, but I suggest getting fermented pickles from a local market or even experimenting with making your own. I realize this is a whole other project but the health benefits are amazing! (https://www.makesauerkraut.com/fermented-pickles/)

And there are so many ways to present your un-tuna! The easiest thing again is to dip you dip we dip. Cucumbers are great with a small layer of hummus topped with the chick-a-boom. Even tortilla chips are a good party option! If you are more of a solid meal type person try these preps:

1. Open face toast—toast organic whole grain bread, add a layer of the hummus, some arugula or other green, layer on some pickles. add the un-tuna and maybe some avocado if you are feeling fancy (which is always so splurge and add that AVO!!) maybe some mustard!

2. Collard green wraps—layer in some hummus, greens or sprouts, the chick-a-boom and wrap it up!

3. Scoop it on a simple green salad

4. Full out un-tuna melt! bread, chick-a-boom, ketchup, and vegan cheese. Field roast chao tofu creamy original is DA BEST. It tastes good (I can eat this plain BTW and I do late at night sometimes—don’t tell) and it melts!! (https://fieldroast.com/product/creamy-original-chao-slices/)

So folks, get into it! Chick-a-pea, chick-a-boom!

What’s your favorite dish to add hummus or un-tuna?? Comment below and send me your food photos!