Zesty Chickpea Salad

This is hands down my go to breakfast. It’s zesty, healthy, and satisfies every taste bud. I’m more into savory meals than sweet ones and this breakfast is a winner. In some areas in the Middle East, chickpeas are a breakfast norm. Some meals are with fava beans and some are with a heavy citric tahini sauce. Each region has its own twist but one thing common between them all - A NAP. Yes, a nap!! If you’ve ever had a hearty meal like “Fool” or “Balila” for breakfast, you’d know that a nap is a natural consequence. I used to wear sweatpants and avoid lunch that day…YES, IT’S QUITE FILLING!

Therefore, I decided to do a hearty healthy breakfast that did not force me to wear any sweatpants. I am not sure if it’s the acidity or the colors that go into this breakfast, but there’s something that makes me run back to it every.single.time! (Please don’t do that with your ex)

Check out this quick and easy chickpea meal that will warm your heart.

Serving: 1 person

Ingredients:

🍋Chickpeas: 1 heaping cup - cooked and heated with its aquafaba (aka its liquid)

🍋Tomatoes: 1 (small to medium sized) - small diced

🍋Green Onions: 1 stalk - thinly sliced (or diced white onion)

🍋 Cilantro: 1 tbsp of chopped cilantro (but you can add more)

You can add other vegetables to your liking such as raddish, arugular, or spinach.

🍋 Lemons: 1/2 a lemon zested and juiced

🍋Garlic: 1 clove - grated (or more if you don’t have a date)

🍋 Salt & Pepper to taste

Paprika Powder: 1/2 tsp (I personally prefer regular paprika not smoked because I prefer the acidity to take over the flavor - not the smokiness).

Method: Make sure the chickpeas are thoroughly cooked if you are doing them at home. If you are using canned ones, heat them with a bit of aquafaba and put them in a bowl. Just mix the rest of the ingredients with the chickpeas and serve immediately. You can add any spice such as red chili flakes or jalapenos. For my love of chickpeas, this is one awesome breakfast!