Some like it HOT!

I bet when you think of hot, the last thing that pops into your mind is chickpeas.  For me, chickpeas (garbanzo beans) on their own are just kind of bland and I’m really not big on the texture, but pop those babies in the oven with some spice or turn them into hummus and OMG, I’m all over them. 

These roasted morsels are chock full of flavor, good for you and ridiculously easy to make.  And like always, they are relatively cheap to make too (I know we all can stand to save as much as we can in these tough financial times).

Roasted Spicy Chickpeas
Ingredients:

• 2 cans of chickpeas (15 oz.)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt to taste

*Spices can be varied for taste/preferences (I like my stuff with a good spicy kick to it).


Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Rinse and drain the chickpeas.  I use a towel to pat away any additional moisture. 

Toss chickpeas in bowl and coat with olive oil.  Add spices and stir until fully covered and distributed.

Transfer chickpeas to baking sheet (cover sheet with foil if you would like a quick clean). 



Bake for 45-60 minutes until at desired texture (I bake mine longer in order to have a more crunchy texture). Stir or shake them every 20 minutes or so to get even browning/prevent overcooking.

Enjoy! These are great on their own, but I love throwing them on a salad too for a little extra flavor and a protein punch!



These are seriously one of my favorite snacks.  They’re super portable and easy to make.

Some other benefits to chickpeas (garbanzo beans):

• Great source of vegetarian protein
• Contains lots of minerals, such as calcium, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and zinc.
• Low on glycemic index, which is important for keeping blood sugar levels stable
• Lots of fiber, so you feel full longer and great for colon and digestive health.

Do you have a favorite healthy spicy snack? Share your recipe!

Fast, fabulous & filling!

Want a quick & healthy recipe for those days where you have little to no energy to cook up dinner?  This is definitely one of my favorite recipes for days when I’m short on time or motivation (like today after studying all day).  It’s great because it’s very few ingredients and also uses few dishes for prep so clean up is a breeze.  Within 30 minutes you’re in and out of the kitchen with a fabulous, healthy meal to boot!

Balsamic Tilapia with Brown Rice


Ingredients:

• 1 cup instant brown rice
• 2/3 cup water
• 2 tilapia fillets (any white flaky fish would work)
• 1+ cup of fresh spinach leaves
• 1/8 cup balsamic vinaigrette dressing
• 14.5 oz. can of diced tomatoes (Italian seasoned are my favorite)
• 1 Tbsp. grated parmesan cheese

Directions:


Heat oven to 375.

Assemble 2 sheets of heavy duty aluminum foil on a baking sheet with the sides slightly turned up (into a shallow bowl).  Pour 1/2 cup of brown rice into center of each foil. Pour 1/3 cup of water over each mound of rice. 

Spoon 1/4 of can of tomatoes on top of rice and then place tilapia on top of rice and tomatoes.

Drizzle balsamic vinaigrette dressing onto each fillet, then top with remaining tomatoes (including the juice).  Finally, pile high with plenty of fresh spinach. 

Doesn’t that look delicious?!


Once assembled, bring up foil sides.  Fold ends and sides up to seal (allow a little room for heat circulation).
Bake 25 minutes.  Cut several slits in the top of foil when you take out of oven in order to let steam escape.  Sprinkle with parmesan & enjoy!
 
I know this isn’t the most appetizing picture, but I promise you that it’s amazing & super simple!

What’s your favorite 30 minute and under meal?