My grandparents always use the saying “Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a pauper.” But, for my whole adult life, I’ve pretty much done the exact opposite: I’ve skipped breakfast, eaten a small lunch and then had an enormous dinner at like 10 p.m. So, recently, I’ve been trying to eat healthy breakfasts, and it feels so much better…
Do you ever make smoothie bowls? They take five minutes to make, incorporate whatever ingredients you have around the house and are good for you. Also, they look like works of art! The recipe below uses protein- and fiber-rich chickpeas. (Sounds weird, tastes delicious.)
Berry-Chickpea Smoothie Bowl
You will need:
1 cup of berries, fresh or frozen
Half a banana
1/3 cup chickpeas, cooked or low-sodium canned
1/2 cup milk, any kind
Garnishes of your choice, such as chia seeds, flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, dried cranberries, coconut, granola and sliced banana (We got the seeds and dried fruits from the Whole Foods bulk bins.)
Add all ingredients except garnishes to a blender, or use an immersion blender, and combine until smooth.
Top with garnishes and serve right away in a bowl.
The U.S. Dry Pea & Lentil Council and Pulse Canada, two farmer-funded non-profits, recently told us about their Pulse Pledge. You commit to eating a meal that includes a “pulse” (a sub-category of legumes that includes dry peas, lentils, chickpeas and beans) once a week. We’ve been making vegetable chili, hummus and these smoothie bowls — hearty food that fills you up and boosts your energy. To raise awareness about pulses, which are healthy, affordable and sustainable, the United Nations has officially named 2016 the “Year of Pulses,” and I’m happy to be a part of it. You can find out more about cooking with pulses and the Pulse Pledge here.
Are you into smoothie bowls? What recipes do you make with pulses?
P.S. The best South Indian dahl and a comforting vegetarian chili.
(Recipe adapted from The Sprouted Fig. Photos by Yossy Arefi for Cup of Jo. This post is sponsored by the U.S. Dry Pea & Lentil Council and Pulse Canada, which work with growers, processors, warehouse workers and sellers of pulses in the U.S. and Canada. Thank you for supporting the organizations that support Cup of Jo.)