Indian Food Has A Place In Our Hearts and Our Stomachs

Indian food has had a place in my heart for as long as I remember. Doc is as passionate about the Indian flavors of curry, saffron, coriander, turmeric and cumin. Just the aroma alone makes my heart swell with joy. Add a little spice and , well, YUM!

Garbanzo beans, also known as chick peas, are an Indian food staple. The indian food inspired recipe below is a healthy snack you can take anywhere.  I hope you enjoy it but first a note about garbanzo beans.

Garbanzo beans are a legume and have many health benefits. For example, garbanzo beans are:

• a great source of fiber.
• a bean that lowers your risk of colon cancer.
• a source of antioxidants.
• a bean that lowers total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
• a bean that regulates blood sugars leading to a stable blood sugar level.
• high in fiber to increase satiety while consuming less food supporting a healthy weight.

It is so easy to add these fantastic legumes to your diet.  You can:

1. Sprinkle garbanzo beans on salads
2. mix them into dips such as hummus
3. mash them into a sandwich spread
4. toss them in a soup
5. Bake them in the oven slathered in indian food spices for a healthy snack, see the recipe below

Indian Food Spicy Garbanzo Beans Snack Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 (15oz.) cans of chick peas (garbanzo beans) drained & rinsed.
• 2 TBS. olive oil
• 1 teas. ground cumin
• 1 teas. garam masala
• 1 teas. chili powder
• 1/2 teas. cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teas. sea salt

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 400 & arrange rack in the middle
2. Add spices and olive oil to a bowl and mix well.
3. Add garbanzo beans to the bowl and toss well.
4. Place the garbanzo beans in the bowl & toss with the spice mixture until evenly coated.
5. Spread the garbanzo beans in even layer on a rimmed baking sheet, bake until crisp. 30 to 40 minutes.

Pop these little Indian food gems in your mouth while watching TV for a healthy snack or take them on a picnic lunch.  Pack them in your kids lunches or take them on your next skiing trip for a powerful high protein snack on the hill.  Toss them in your backpack while hiking or to the Friday night football game. You get the idea, these are a quick and easy delicious snack that is heart healthy and nutritious for your entire body.  Take your spicy garbanzo beans with you anywhere you need a healthy vegetarian or gluten free snack. You can even serve them at a party or as a side dish for dinner. Try a little Indian food in your diet.  Start with this easy spicy garbanzo beans snack recipe. Enjoy!