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Zesty Chickpeas

Brought to you by Preeti Paramasivam

Reaching for chips after a workout or during your evening slump — and feeling guilty after ?
Say hello to Zesty Chickpea — packed with plant protein, fiber, and feel-good flavour.
Your gut (and your goals) will thank you!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup dried chickpeas* (or 1 to 2 cups canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon urad dal
  • 1 pinch asafoetida powder **
  • 1 sprig curry leaves
  • 1-2 dried red chilies (whole)
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • ¼ cup desiccated coconut
  • Salt to taste
  • ½ teaspoon pepper powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin powder
  • ½ teaspoon garam masala
  • ½  teaspoon chat masala (for the extra zing)

* I used a mix of black and white chickpeas to gain the combined health benefits.

**  Asafoetida is traditionally used in Indian cooking to support digestion and minimize bloating associated with legumes.

Method

  1. Soak dried chickpeas overnight in plenty of water. Drain and rinse well. Pressure cook with water and a pinch of salt for about 12-15 minutes or until tender but firm. If using canned chickpeas, rinse and drain thoroughly.
  2. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter. Add urad dal and fry until golden brown. Add asafoetida, curry leaves, and dried red chilies and onion. Sauté until onions are soft.
  3. Add the cooked chickpeas to the pan. Stir well to coat them with the tempered spices. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Stir in the desiccated coconut, salt, pepper and other spices. Mix well and cook for another minute.
  5. Enjoy warm or at room temperature as a healthy snack or side dish.

About the Author

Preeti P

Preeti Paramasivam

Instagram

I’m a Nutritionist and Naturopath, with a passion for gut health and holistic healing. I believe true wellness starts in the gut—just like Hippocrates said, “All disease begins in the gut.” From digestion to hormones, immunity, and mood, it’s all connected.

Through food, lifestyle, and a grounded, science-informed approach, I help people reconnect with their body’s natural wisdom and build sustainable habits for long-term vitality.

Qualifications:

MSc. Food Science & Technology, Adv. Dip. Clinical Nutrition, Adv. Dip, Clinical Naturopathy, Adv. Dip. Integrative Natural Health.

🌿 Follow along for tips on gut health: @iampreetiwellness
🌐 Work with me: www.preetiparamasivam.au

📩 : preeti.paramasivam@outlook.com