Chickpea's aren't just for hummus
I don't know about you but I'm getting pretty cheesed off with this rainy weather, who would think we are in the middle of May where we should be eating in our gardens and have the BBQ on most weekends.
With the cold weather constantly looming, I'm just not feeling summer foods or salads! I crave meals which are warm & stodgy making me feel cosy & content (particularly because I'm not allowed to put the heating on at home- husbands, who'd have em?!).
Last night I made Pasta & Chickpeas, Pasta e Ceci, ticking all the boxes for your daily intake of; carbs, protein, calcium and magnesium! (Chickpeas are high in calories so moderate your portions - you won't need a lot of this because it is sooooo filling)
Most people associate Chickpeas with hummus so when I tell people that I make this dish they normally turn their nose up and just can't imagine the two combined, but believe me when you're cold in the middle of May and this is the answer to warming up you won't turn you're nose up anymore.
This is a common dish you'd find on an Italian's table, another recipe I've taken inspiration from my Family. Some tweaks here and there depending on personal preference; some like it with more or less tomato, some like to add chilli (my dad says it puts hairs on you're chest so that's probably one for the men), some prefer rosemary to basil. The trick is not to let your dish become sticky, keep adding water ensuring the pasta cooks but not too much that it end's up like soup.
4 Reasons why you need to make this dish
1. Cheap ingredients - All you need is canned tomatoes, can of chickpeas, garlic clove, stock, olive oil, basil & salt
2. Nutritious - Like I said above it includes cabs, protein, calcium and magniesum but chickpeas are also proven to regulate your digestive system. I'm by no mean's a nutrition expert but I do know that it makes me feel really good!
3.Satisfying - You'll be fuller for longer
4. One pot dinner - saves on the washing up!
Winner Winner!
Recipe now available on the Recipe wall so give it a try and let me know what you think!