Chickpeas are rich in carbohydrates, protein and fats, ideal nutrients for growing children who need energy for school and sports. Try out these chickpea treats, writes Ramiya Saktivel

Health benefits. This legume is rich in folic acid, copper, selenium, potassium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium and thiamine which boost brain health. It also contains soluble fibre, that facilitate growth of good bacteria in the stomach

Chickpea Sandwich

Ingredients
• 250 gm chickpeas
• 6 slices of whole wheat bread
• 50 gm butter
• 1 onion
• 6 cherry tomatoes
• 1 cucumber
• 4 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste

Preparation guide
• Soak chickpeas overnight.
• Pressure cook chickpeas (two whistles).
• Mash boiled chickpeas well
• Chop onion and cucumber into very small pieces.
• Slice cherry tomatoes into two pieces.
• Add mashed chickpeas, onion, cucumber, and mayonnaise in a large bowl and mix well.
• Add pepper and salt.
• Apply butter on bread slices and warm them.
• Spread a thick layer of mixture on one slice followed by sliced cherry tomatoes. Add another slice on top to make an appetising sandwich.

Chickpea Shake

Ingredients
• 2 tbsp almond butter
• 2 cups almond milk
• 2 medium bananas
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp chia seeds
• 1 ½ cups boiled chickpeas
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds

Preparation guide
• Dry grind pumpkin and chia seeds.
• Blend all other ingredients.
• Add water until you get the right consistency.
• Serve chilled.

Channa masala

Ingredients
• 1 tsp cumin seeds (whole)
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• 1 tsp coriander powder
• 1 tsp fennel seeds
• ½ tsp chilli powder
• 1 tsp turmeric powder
• 1 tsp ghee
• 1 medium-sized onion
• 6 pods garlic
• 2 chillies
• 2 tomatoes
• 1 sprig coriander leaves

Preparation guide
• Saute whole spices in ghee. Add onions and fry until transparent.
• Slice green chillies and add to onions, together with garlic and tomatoes.
• Add fennel and cumin seeds.
• Cook until tomatoes are mashed. Add all masala powders and stir.
• Add soaked chikcpeas, water and salt.
• Cook in pressure cooker for three whistles.
• Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.