GET YOUR SWEET FIX WITH CHICKPEAS
When you think of desserts or sweet treats, chickpeas are surely not the first thing that comes into mind. However, I bet you will be pleasantly surprised by how tasty these treats actually are.
And not only tasty, but an excellent alternative for people who follow a healthy, vegan, and gluten-free diet.
CHICKPEAS – NUTRIENT-RICH LEGUME
And what’s not to love about chickpeas? Chickpeas are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Moreover, they are a great source of plant-based protein which makes them an excellent choice for people following vegan and vegetarian diets. A1-ounce (28-gram) serving provides about 3 grams of protein.
They offer a variety of health benefits:
- They help control blood sugar – they have a fairly low glycemic index so your body absorbs and digests them slowly.
- They help with digestion – chickpeas are high in dietary fiber, especially soluble fiber.
- They can help lower cholesterol.
NUTRITIONAL PROFILE
1 cup (164 g) cooked contains:
- Calories: 269
- Fat: 4.25 g
- Carbs: 45 g
- Protein: 14.5 g
- Dietary fiber: 12.5 g
TO COOK OR NOT TO COOK
Chickpeas are usually sold dried or pre-cooked in a can. I prefer to use the dried ones and cook them myself but if you don’t feel like cooking, you can use canned chickpeas instead. Just make sure to drain and rinse them well.
HOW TO COOK CHICKPEAS
- Wash chickpeas really well, add them to a large bowl, and cover with water. The chickpeas will triple in size so it’s important to add plenty of water. Soak the chickpeas for at least 12 hours, best overnight. Soaking your chickpeas cuts down on cooking time, and it also helps them be a little easier to digest.
- Drain and rinse soaked chickpeas and place them in a large pot. Cover the chickpeas with water and bring everything to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until they are soft and tender, 1 and 1/2 to 2 hours. I find that different brands have different cooking times.
- It’s best if you keep the lid on but slightly ajar allowing some steam to escape while cooking. Keep an eye on the water level during cooking and top up with fresh hot water from time to time if needed.
- Keep cooked chickpeas in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- And remember, dried chickpeas triple in size when cooked so 1 cup of dried chickpeas will make about 3 cups of cooked chickpeas.
So, if you are up for a challenge and want to try something different but still incredibly tasty, check out the following selection of 9 vegan sweet treats with chickpeas.
Chickpea Chocolate Shake
Start your day right with this rich, creamy, and smooth chickpea chocolate shake. The shake is nutritious, filling, rich, and tastes so, so good.
It’s also vegan (dairy-free), gluten-free, and soy-free.
Chickpea Chocolate Hazelnut Truffles
Chickpea chocolate hazelnut truffles are a healthy sweet treat with a perfectly soft texture. They are easy to make, rich, creamy, and they taste so, so good. And the best part is that they’re made with healthy and wholesome ingredients.
They are perfect for holidays or for when a sugar craving strikes. These truffles are vegan (dairy-free), gluten-free, and soy-free.
Chickpea Chocolate Fudge Bites
Chickpea chocolate fudge bites are a guilt-free sweet treat you can feel good about. These delicious little bites are full of nutrients, high in protein, very easy to make, and they taste absolutely amazing.
They are rich, fudgy, vegan (dairy-free), gluten-free, and soy-free and will certainly satisfy your sweet tooth.
Mini Chickpea Chocolate Cake
This mini chickpea chocolate cake has a chickpea-chocolate base filled with silky chocolate ganache and topped with coconut whipped cream and berries. A perfect mini treat for all the cake lovers out there!
The cake is vegan (dairy-free), gluten-free, and soy-free.
Chickpea Peanut Chocolate Truffles
Chickpea peanut chocolate truffles are full of nutrients, high in protein, very easy to make, and require only 6 ingredients.
They combine cooked chickpeas, dry roasted peanuts, coconut cream, dark chocolate, and dates and they make a nutritious on-the-go snack.
Flourless Chickpea Chocolate Muffins
Flourless chickpea chocolate muffins are rich and fudgy, and high in fiber and protein. You can serve them for breakfast, as a healthy snack, light dessert, or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
They are vegan (dairy-free), gluten-free, and soy-free and will certainly satisfy your sweet tooth.
Chickpea Chocolate Pudding
If you want to satisfy your sugar cravings the healthy way, this chickpea chocolate pudding recipe is just perfect for you. With only seven ingredients, this healthy treat will take you less than 10 minutes to make. It’s high in protein, easy to make, and seriously yummy.
You can serve it for breakfast, as a healthy snack, light dessert, or as an afternoon pick-me-up. This pudding is vegan (dairy-free), gluten-free, and soy-free.
Chickpea Chocolate Hazelnut Cookies
These chickpea chocolate hazelnut cookies are high in protein, high in fiber, and so addictive. What makes them great is the combination of cooked chickpeas and a nutty flavor of roasted hazelnuts.
Enjoy these cookies for breakfast with a glass of plant-based milk or a cup of coffee. Or have them as a healthy snack or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
These cookies are vegan (dairy-free), gluten-free, and soy-free.
Gingerbread Chickpea Peanut Cookies
Healthy and wholesome gingerbread chickpea peanut cookies are high in protein, high in fiber, and sweetened only with dates. Enjoy them for breakfast, as a wholesome snack, or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
These cookies are vegan (dairy-free), gluten-free, and soy-free.
