Chickpeas and Bulgur Pottage

Chickpeas are also known as Garbanzo beans. I don't know if we can find them in Nigeria other than in cans. Please let me know.

These legumes are very high in fibre, so high that 2 cups of chickpeas provide your entire daily value of fibre. They regulate cholesterol by reducing LDL (also known as bad cholesterol, lol) levels. They help control blood sugar and insulin secretion. They are also a good source of folate, manganese, and Vitamin B6.

For women with PCOS, chickpeas are important as they contain D-Chiro Inositol (DCI); it has been shown that women with PCOS who received DCI enjoy lower cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and a higher frequency of ovulation. Good news, Ladies!

This recipe is the first of a multitude of chickpea recipes that will crop up here. I'm looking into exciting ways to include these in my diet (popped chickpeas, anyone?).

Bulgur is simply wheat kernels that have been steamed, dried, and crushed. They are also very rich in fibre and are a good way to bulk up your meals without unwanted calories-a cup of Bulgur has fewer calories, less fat, and more than twice the fibre of the same quantity of brown rice. So, if like me, you can't find brown rice, even though you've checked all the stores from here to Jericho, stop your search, get Bulgur, and enjoy.

Ingredients
14oz can of boiled chickpeas, drained and rinsed (about 1 1/2 cups)
1 cup of bulgur wheat
4 habanero peppers, sliced
1 small bunch of celery, sliced
1 cup of green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium red onion, diced
4 tomatoes, diced
1 tablespoon of almond oil
1 teaspoon of salt, or to taste

Method
To a pot on medium-high heat, add almond oil. After 20 seconds, add the pepper, onions, tomatoes, and green beans. Sautée for 2 minutes. Add 3 cups of water. When the water boils, add the bulgur, celery, and salt. Leave to cook for 3 minutes, taste to make sure the bulgur is as soft as you like (if it's not, add a little more water). Add the chickpeas and mix carefully to avoid breaking the chickpeas. Cook for 1 minute. Serve and enjoy.

Remember,
It's sooo good for you!

Deema