Canned chickpeas, once overlooked, have become a favorite item at Medallions Apartment's emergency food closet, showcasing the importance of not just offering food but also educating about its potential uses. The popularity surged thanks to a four-part cooking series known as Supper Club, led by Natasha Butcher-Cook, the Supper Club Manager, in which she taught the residents how to make this featured curried chickpea salad.
"It’s not enough to have food available; understanding what to do with it is key," said Ashley, a Resident Advocate at the Medallion Apartments.
At Lift UP, we're dedicated to more than just providing food; we aim to empower our community with the knowledge to incorporate nutritious ingredients into their daily meals. It’s about breaking down systemic barriers and ensuring everyone has the chance to enjoy and benefit from healthy food options.
Natasha crafted a recipe that everyone can enjoy. By serving it in lettuce boats, she made it ideal for those managing diabetes, gluten-free, or looking for a lighter meal option. The recipe is also highly adaptable, allowing for modifications based on available ingredients. For instance, some residents added canned chicken for extra protein, while others enhanced it with blueberries and crispy fried onions for a unique twist.
For anyone doubting whether this dish is filling, it has even impressed the biggest skeptics. Natasha shared, "One Supper Club participant, a self-described meat-and-potatoes guy, was initially unsure about the recipe. However, curiosity got the better of him. By the time I was cleaning up, he was back for seconds, raving about how much he loved it!"
Curried Chickpea Salad
INGREDIENTS
15 oz. can chickpeas or roughly 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas, if using canned chickpeas, drain the liquid from the can and rinse the chickpeas before using
¼ cup vegan mayo
2 tablespoons red onion, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill
2 tablespoons finely chopped pickles or relish
2 tablespoons of chopped celery
1 tablespoon curry powder
3 tablespoons raisins
squeeze of a lime
½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
sea salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Combine everything together, mix well, and taste and adjust seasonings to your liking.
2. Serve on a bed of greens, in a lettuce wrap, in a sandwich, oron crackers/as a dip or
however you desire. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Onions: Onions are rich in antioxidants and have natural anti-inflammatory qualities! They can help lower blood pressure, manage cholesterol, and maintain gut health!
Celery: Celery is a low-calorie and potassium-rich vegetable which also provides fiber and folate in every serving.
Comments