Chickpea Salad
Delight in the exquisite flavors of this Chickpea Salad, a nutritious and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. Featuring a vibrant mix of creamy chickpeas, roasted sweet potatoes, fluffy quinoa, and a zesty dressing, each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Indulge in the hearty goodness of tender chickpeas, which provide a rich and creamy base for this salad. Roasted sweet potatoes add a touch of sweetness and a satisfying crunch, while fluffy quinoa brings a light and nutritious element to the dish.
But it's the flavorful dressing that truly brings this salad to life. Made with fresh herbs, tangy lemon juice, and creamy yogurt, the dressing perfectly complements the ingredients, creating a delightful fusion of flavors that's sure to please your palate.
Ingredients
1 can chickpeas 150 grams sweet potato 1 onion 2 cloves garlic 1 packet Middle Eastern spice mix 75 grams quinoa 10 grams pumpkin seeds 1 bunch radishes 250 grams cherry tomatoes ½ lemon 40 grams arugula (rocket) 10 grams fresh parsley and mint
Method
- 1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Rinse the chickpeas in a colander and pat dry with paper towels. Cut the sweet potato into half moons. Cut the onion into wedges. Crush the garlic cloves with the side of a knife. Spread the chickpeas, sweet potato, onion, and garlic on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Toss with the Middle Eastern spice mix and 1/2 tbsp olive oil per person. Season with pepper and salt if desired. Roast for 20-22 minutes in the oven, stirring halfway through.
- 2. Cooking Quinoa: Bring plenty of water to a boil with 1/4 stock cube per person in a saucepan. Cook the quinoa for 8-10 minutes over medium-high heat. Drain and let steam without a lid.
- 3. Roasting Pumpkin Seeds: Heat a dry frying pan over high heat and roast the pumpkin seeds for 1-2 minutes, or until they start to pop. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- 4. Making Salad: Remove the tops of the radishes and thinly slice them (see Tip). Halve the cherry tomatoes. Cut the lemon into wedges. In a salad bowl, mix the quinoa, radishes, cherry tomatoes, arugula, and per person: the juice of 1 lemon wedge and 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Season with pepper and salt if desired.
- 5. Making Dressing: Coarsely chop the fresh parsley and mint leaves. Peel and finely chop the roasted garlic. In a small bowl, make a dressing with the yogurt, parsley, mint, garlic, and the juice of 1 lemon wedge per person. Season with pepper and salt if desired.
- 6. Serving: Divide the salad among plates. Top with the roasted chickpeas, sweet potato, and onion. Garnish with the pumpkin seeds and the dressing (see Tip).
Tip:
Don't let anything go to waste! Did you know that you can also add the nutrient-rich radish leaves to your salad? Radish leaves, often overlooked, are not only delicious but also packed with essential vitamins and minerals. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants, which help support a healthy immune system and promote overall well-being.
Incorporating radish leaves into your salad not only adds a vibrant burst of flavor but also boosts its nutritional value. These tender greens provide a refreshing contrast to the other ingredients and contribute to a more wholesome and balanced meal.
Additionally, by reducing food waste and making use of every part of the radish, you're not only being environmentally conscious but also maximizing the health benefits of your meal.
Quinoa, Superfood
Discover the wonders of quinoa, a remarkable pseudocereal that has been cherished for centuries for its exceptional nutritional profile and versatility in the kitchen. While often mistaken for a grain, quinoa is actually classified as a pseudocereal, belonging to the same family as spinach and beets.
Originating from the Andean region of South America, quinoa has been cultivated for over 5,000 years by indigenous peoples such as the Inca civilization. Revered as the "mother of all grains" by the Incas, quinoa held significant cultural and religious importance and was considered a sacred crop.
Today, quinoa continues to captivate food enthusiasts worldwide, thanks to its impressive nutritional content. Not only is quinoa a complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids, but it's also gluten-free, making it an excellent option for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
In addition to its protein content, quinoa is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, including magnesium, iron, and phosphorus. This nutrient-packed pseudocereal provides sustained energy, supports digestion, and promotes overall well-being.
Quinoa's versatility in the kitchen is another reason for its popularity. Whether enjoyed as a wholesome side dish, a hearty salad base, or a protein-rich main course, quinoa lends itself to a variety of culinary creations. Its mild, nutty flavor and delicate texture make it a perfect canvas for a wide range of ingredients and flavor profiles.
For vegetarians and vegans, quinoa is a valuable addition to the diet, offering a plant-based source of complete protein and essential nutrients. Incorporating quinoa into meals not only enhances their nutritional value but also adds a satisfying depth of flavor and texture.
With its rich history, exceptional nutritional profile, and culinary versatility, quinoa has earned its status as a superfood and continues to be celebrated as a staple ingredient in modern cuisine.