Chickpea curry: Chickpeas also known as garbanzo beans are a staple food in many parts of the world and one of the oldest cultivated legumes. These tiny legumes are incredible sources of plant-based protein & other nutrients essential for maintaining physical & mental health. Here are some of the health benefits of chickpeas: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/food-features/chickpeas-garbanzo-beans/

High in Nutrients:

Chickpeas are low in fat & high in vitamins and minerals critical for good health. They boast an abundance of fiber, protein, vitamin B6, magnesium, and folate, making a diet rich in chickpeas an essential for weight control & maintaining optimal health.

• Aids digestion – One of the most significant benefits of consuming chickpeas is its fibre content. They are one of the highest dietary sources of fibre, which helps to keep your digestive tract healthy & prevent constipation 
• Manages blood sugar levels – Chickpeas offer a slow release of carbohydrates, preventing blood sugar spikes and making them an excellent food for people with diabetes. The fibre in chickpeas slows down the digestion of carbohydrates, thus reducing the absorption rate of sugar & preventing sudden blood sugar spikes
• Lowers risk of heart disease – Chickpeas are rich in iron, magnesium, potassium & vitamin B6, which helps to lower blood pressure and reduces the risk of heart disease. The soluble fibre in chickpeas can lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, which in turn reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases like a heart attack or stroke https://www.nutritionalhealthenterprises.com/how-to-lower-cholesterol-naturally/
• Aids in weight control – Chickpeas are the ideal food for those trying to lose weight due to their high fibre content, which makes them very filling. Incorporating them into your diet will keep you fuller for longer, reducing the frequency & intensity of hunger pangs & curbing untimely food cravings

Nutrition is essential to a healthy lifestyle & chickpeas provide a range of nutrients, including protein, fibre, folate, & minerals. Their benefits extend to liver diseases & cancer prevention, as well. Chickpeas are versatile in use & hence, are easy to include in your diet. They can be consumed in dips like hummus, salads, breakfast bowls, or roasted.

Chickpea curry ( slow cooker)

Ingredients:

Instructions:

• Heat the oil in a large heavy-bottomed frying pan over medium-high heat (Or directly in the slow cooker)
• Add the onion & sauté until translucent – about 5 minutes
• Stir in the curry powder, ginger, garlic & cayenne pepper, cook for about 1 minute
• Remove the onions from the heat & scrape them along with all of the spices into the slow cooker. If any of the spices are stuck to the pan, you can rinse it out with a bit of vegetable broth
• Add the chickpeas, peppers, potato, cauliflower, tomatoes, & broth
• Cover & cook on high for 4 hours or low for 7 to 8 hours

To finish:

• Stir in the spinach bit by bit to allow it to wilt
• Stir in the coconut milk
• Taste & season with salt and pepper
• Serve over rice or with naan bread

In summary:

Chickpeas are a superfood that should be a part of everyone’s diet plan. They are low in fat & high in nutrients, including fibre, protein, vitamins, minerals & antioxidants. Incorporating chickpeas in your diet can aid digestion, reduce weight, manage blood sugar levels & lower the risk of heart disease. Additionally, chickpeas are easy to prepare, versatile & a delicious addition to numerous recipes. For a healthier lifestyle, including chickpeas in your diet will go a long way in keeping you healthy & energetic!