Marinated Chickpea Salad

One of the most popular legumes in the world, chickpeas (also known as garbanzo beans) were one of the first crops to be cultivated. They are one of the tastiest and most versatile of the pulses. Chickpeas are also high in fiber and contain the phytonutrient isoflavone, which may help to prevent cancer. Chickpeas belong to the family of legumes, also known as pulses. A study of 10,000 men and women in the USA found that those who ate pulses at least four times a week had a significantly lower risk of coronary heart disease.

This tasty marinated chickpea salad can be put together quickly, stored overnight in the fridge and eaten for lunch the next day.

Ingredients:
2 cups cooked chickpeas, drained
2 T extra virgin olive oil or hempseed oil
1 teas toasted sesame oil
1 T wheat-free tamari
lemon juice to taste
1 teas agave syrup (optional)
1/2 cup red, orange or yellow bell pepper (capsicum)
1 med carrot
9 baby spinach leaves
couple sprigs each fresh parsley and mint

Instructions:
Add the chickpeas to a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Pour the oils, tamari, lemon juice and agave syrup over the chickpeas.

Finely slice the bell pepper and spinach leaves. Grate the carrot. Finely dice the fresh herbs. Add to the container and toss everything until thoroughly mixed.

Put on the lid, and turn the container upside down until the oil mixture reaches the lid. Refrigerate for at least one hour. Shake and invert the container occasionally to coat all the ingredients with marinade.

Served chilled this is a great refreshing summer salad, but it’s also delicious served warm.