5 ways with... chickpeas

With Veganuary approaching, consumers are searching for meat alternatives. We’re putting chickpeas in the spotlight; as a low-cost source of protein with countless health benefits, try these ideas and jump into January with high sales

1 Whirl away

Whirl chickpeas into hummus, adding tahini, lemon juice, garlic, paprika and olive oil to the mix. Serve with fresh pitta for a simple starter or chop up some veggies for a no-carb substitute. You can also spread the hummus inside sandwiches and wraps.

2 Mash up

Create flavour-filled falafel by mashing chickpeas, flattening into patties and frying until golden brown. Add chopped fresh parsley, white sesame seeds, ground coriander, black pepper and cumin, but you can get creative with herbs and spices. Why not add a falafel burger, wrap or salad to your menu?

3 Make it photo-worthy

Food is now a huge part of social networking and Instagrammers often post pictures of visually aesthetic food, making it essential to present dishes beautifully. Create an exquisite rainbow salad with chickpeas, avocado, beetroot, mango, shredded red cabbage and leafy greens to ensure that customers can’t resist taking a pic.

4 Spice it up

Whip up a vegan chickpea curry using a simple recipe of canned tomatoes, onion, garlic, coconut milk, coconut oil, lime, garam masala, cumin, curry powder, sea salt and ground black pepper. The chickpeas create a filling, protein-packed curry and provide fibre and texture. Although creamy, it’s an incredibly nutritious and tasty dish; customers will, without doubt, be back for more!

5 Roast to perfection

Get creative by slicing up some sweet potatoes and loading the skins with chickpeas and quinoa, before roasting. Drizzle with tahini or olive oil to create the ultimate eye-catching vegan starter, filled with goodness.