Chickpea Patties

Chickpea Patties

from Self Magazine

Serves 4 (12 Patties)

These patties are more like crab cakes then they are burgers, but they are a good way to eat sweet potatoes which are packed with antioxidants and reduce internal and external inflammation (great for those who suffer from arthritis). They also help to stabilize blood sugar. The carotenoids in sweet potatoes help the body respond to insulin, plus help resist diabetic heart disease with an abundance of Vitamin B6. They are high in soluble fiber (aids in lowering both blood sugar and cholesterol), and their abundance of chlorogenic acid may help decrease insulin resistance.

• 1 C dried chickpeas or black beans (soaked and cooked) *If you use canned beans, add 1-2 TBSP chickpea flour

• 1 small sweet potato (peeled and grated)

• 3 TBSP oil (real olive, avocado, coconut, sunflower)

• 3 TBSP tahini (sesame paste)

• 1/2 TBSP cumin

• 1/2 tsp turmeric

• 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper (helps with absorption of turmeric)

• 1/4 tsp baking powder

• 1 tsp sea or Kosher salt or to taste

• Cayenne pepper to taste

• 1 tsp nutritional yeast (optional)

Heat oven to 375°F. Grate sweet potato (be sure not to load the potato in the food processor with the rest of the ingredients – this will give you a delicious cornbread-like batter rather than patties). In the food processor, process prepared beans, tahini, cumin, turmeric, cayenne, baking powder, yeast, pepper and salt, scraping down sides as necessary, until mixture holds together when pinched (pulsing about 2 minutes). Add a little oil if it seems too dry. Transfer to a bowl and stir in sweet potato.

Form chickpea/black bean and sweet potato mixture into burgers and place on an oiled baking sheet. Brush tops of patties with oil. Bake for 40 minutes and then flip and bake for 20 minutes more. Let rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with avocado or tahini sauce.

Avocado Sauce

from Cooks.com

• 1 avocado

• Juice of 1 lime

• 1/2 tsp ground turmeric

• 1/2 tsp chili powder

• 1/2 tsp cumin

• Pinch of dried oregano

• 1 tsp minced garlic (optional)

Peel and pit avocado. Add lime, spices and garlic (optional). Place in blender and process until smooth. Pour over chickpea patties and enjoy!

Tahini Sauce 

• 1/2 - 1 C water

• 1 C tahini (sesame paste)

• 1/4 C lemon juice

• 1 clove garlic

• 2 tsp cumin

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients in the blender or food processor. Add water until desired consistency.  Season with salt and pepper and serve drizzled over the chickpea patties.

Kiwi Surprise! Juice

 A sweet treat for any morning, this juice is great solo or mixed with some sparkling water for a citrusy spritzer.

 The magic kiwifruit - not only do kiwis contain chlorophyll, but they’re also said to have some specific health benefits. Kiwifruit have been shown help prevent the mutations of genes that may initiate the cancer process. They also contain inositol, a sugar alcohol that helps to regulate diabetes, may improve diabetic neuropathy and ease depression. Eating kiwis gives your immune system a boost with vitamin C, E and magnesium. Plus they contain lutein that combats macular degeneration. Adding this little powerhouse to your juice will make your body very happy!

Makes 30 oz (enough to share)

• 4 kiwis

• 3 red apples

• 2 pears

• 1 green apple

• 1 lime

Squeeze lime into juice-catching container to maintain the color integrity of the apple juice and run the rest of the fruit through your juicer. Stir and optionally mix with sparkling water. Enjoy!