Proteins are the body’s main building blocks — for muscles, hair, bones, the immune system, a sense of fullness, brain function, and more. How do we get them without eating meat or animal-based dairy? Through legumes! This dish is the tastiest meat alternative there is. Place it at the center of the table — just two tablespoons are enough to balance the meal and add flavor and beauty to the plate. It gives us everything the body needs.
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WHAT DO WE NEED?
* 1½ cups dried chickpeas
* ¾ tsp baking soda
* ¼ cup olive oil
* 1½ tbsp chickpea miso
* 5 **garlic cloves sliced
* 1 bunch broccolini
* ½ tsp black pepper
* 1 tsp ground cumin
* ¾ tsp salt
* ½ tsp chili flakes or hot paprika (optional)
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HOW TO MAKE?
1. Soak the chickpeas:
Soak the chickpeas with the baking soda in water for 3–4 hours.
2. Cook the chickpeas:
Transfer the soaking water (including the baking soda) to a pot. Add 5 cups of water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 2 hours, making sure there is always enough water.
3. Prepare the vegetables:
In a wide, deep pan, heat the olive oil and add the sliced garlic (and sliced leek, if using). Trim the ends of the broccolini stems (leave a bit of the stem) and add to the pan.
4. Add miso:
Add some of the chickpea cooking water to the pan and stir in the chickpea miso until fully dissolved.
5. Combine chickpeas and spices:
Add the cooked chickpeas along with their cooking liquid to the pan. Add all the spices, stir well, and let simmer together for about 30 minutes.
6. Serve:
Serve hot. Optionally, finish with **lemon zest** before serving for extra brightness.
