Garbanzo Beans - Indian Style

One time we visited my in-laws in Temecula California and they lived between two Indian families. These two families were family! On one side lived Jaswan, her husband and their children and on the other side were Jaswan's parents. Hearing that the hubby and I LOVED Indian food, Jaswan and her mother put together a feast for us! It was such a special treat.

A couple months after return to Florida, a box arrived in the mail from California. Inside it was:

• two hand written recipes 
• an old yogurt container filled with Turmeric powder
• a bag of lentils

Jaswan had sent me what I needed to start on my Indian culinary journey. I've played with this chickpea recipe over the years and think I have it down to my taste.  I urge you to try it! Simple, healthy, delicious. Tweak it to your taste! Even the kids (mine anyway) will eat it.

Jaswan's "Gurbanzos Beans" recipe

INGREDIENTS:

• large pan or pot with lid
• olive oil
• 1 tsp cumin seed chopped (or powder*), tweak to personal taste
• 2 cans of garbanzo beans, drained & rinsed
• 8 cloves of garlic, sliced
• 1 big onion, diced
• 1/2 inch of ginger root, diced
• 1 diced jalapeno or 1 tablespoon diced jalapeno from a jar
• 1 large tomato, diced
• sea salt
• 1 tablespoon turmeric
• water
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1 tablespoon corn starch (optional)
• cilantro for garnish (optional)

METHOD:

1. olive oil to cover bottom of pan, medium heat
2. add cumin seed; *if using powder, add after veggies are added
3. add garlic, ginger, onion, jalapeno; saute until fragrant
4. season with salt, turmeric and cumin powder if using; stir together
5. add tomato & sauce; stir & let simmer for a minute or two
6. add enough water to make it soupy; bring to a boil
7. cover and let simmer :15
8. uncover and move two ladles full of the liquid to a bowl; whisk together with corn starch, stir back into the pan (optional - it wasn't in the original recipe, I prefer a thicker sauce)
9. allow it to simmer off some of the liquid to concentrate the flavor

ACCOMPANIMENTS AND ADDITIONS:

• eat over brown rice OR with naan; the garbanzos should double whatever starch you eat with it; you can purchase fresh packaged naan at some grocery stores
• add other veggies like bok choy, spinach, greens or kale to increase tummy fullness & healthfulness
• garnish with cilantro, hot sauce or anything you want!
• when storing leftovers, keep rice & chickpeas separate. Layer rice then chickpeas in a bowl and heat for 30 seconds and stir, repeat until hot; add water if needed

Homemade Hummus

Hummus has gotten really popular lately, which is a fantastic thing! It is heart healthy, protein strong and very filling. But just like anything else, it's much better for you if you make it fresh because many of the nutrients are lost once processing starts.

So, here's a simple hummus recipe that you can make in your blender. If you want it smoother, take a few minutes to get the outer layering off the chickpeas. After rinsing and draining the chickpeas, roll them in a tea towel. This will loosen the shell so you can easily pop them out. Takes time, but sometimes I need a little forced meditation!

Basic Hummus
can of chickpeas (rinsed, drained)
tablespoon of tahini
tablespoon of olive oil
dash of salt
squeeze of lemon
COMBINE all in a blender and zoom until smooth. Drizzle more olive oil if it's not smooth enough.


ADD INS:
garlic clove
basil leaves
red pepper
pine nuts (mix in after blending)
cumin
any of your favorite seasonings

ALTERNATIVE:
try different kinds of beans or lentils to make a healthy dip/spread

Hiking Revelation

The hike I take with my little one strapped into a back pack is tough. It's rocky and a high grade up most of the mountain. But with a little effort, the trails wind around and open up to broad views of Atlanta - just a taste of what's waiting at the top. They wind again to take us past Civil War era earth mounds, through green woods and finally to the top, where all who make it finally enjoy respite from the hike and rewards of 360° views of metro-Atlanta.

As we move through the trails, we receive big smiles and "good mornings" from most passerby's. There's an occasional "I'd like a ride in that pack!" or "you sure are fit!" as friendly people exude the joy from exercise.

Whether it's their first time or their 100th, the mountain doesn't discriminate, it only shows us beauty and provides a challenge for all who accept. Whether we are black, white, brown, young, old or in-between, the mountain doesn't care. It offers the same opportunity and challenge to each of us, as does our great country.

We're caught up in a battle of us vs. them, rich vs. poor, black vs. white. This country is based on the rule of law which allows each of us the same opportunity but can not guarantee the same outcomes.

As I watched an obese, middle-aged woman take her first step up the mountain, I cheered for her. I cheered for her success the same as if she were starting her first business. "Let me get out of your way! You can do it! One step at a time!" I want for her to succeed, for her to see the views and to enjoy the history of Kennesaw Mountain.

Most Americans believe as I do. We want to see individual success. We know that the mountain is HUGE and there's room for all of us at the top. And as we make it to the top, we bring more people with us, for we want everyone to see the view!

It is time to reject the political elite's attempt to ransack our American nature. We are good people who want to see everyone succeed. The government just needs to get out of our way and let us do it, one step at a time; the views are always sweeter when they reward the journey.



Visit Kennesaw Mountain and enjoy for yourself!