10 Ways to Cook With Chickpeas and Lower Your Food Budget

On December 8, 2020 Global News reported that “the average Canadian family will pay up to an extra $695 for food [in 2021], as the pandemic, wildfires and changing consumer habits drive up grocery bills to the highest increase ever predicted by an annual food price report. Rising bread, meat and vegetable prices are expected to lead the overall food price increase of three to five per cent, according to Canada’s Food Price Report 2021”.*

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I’ve been noticing my grocery bill trending higher and so have been looking at a few options to make my dollar stretch further! Chickpeas, also known as Garbanzo beans, are an inexpensive, filling, and nutritious staple for those wanting to cook with less meat and reduce costs per serving. They’re available to buy canned or purchase dried in bulk and cook them for an even more budget-friendly option. Additionally, meat production is hard on the environment so you’re also doing your part for the planet when you make a switch to a plant-based option!

Cooking chickpeas is simple but requires some planning, see four methods of preparation here. I tend to cook legumes like beans and chickpeas in large batches and then freeze in 1.5 cup portions for later use.

And now the fun part! Here are a few options to try:

• Chickpea chili
• Chickpea butter ‘chicken’
• Spaghetti and meat(less) balls
• Hummous and bread
• Falafel wraps
• Veggie and chickpea bowl
• Chickpea veggie burgers
• Chickpea soup
• Meat(less) loaf
• Chickpea veggie stir fry

I know I’m going to be working a few of these into my meal plan!

What’s your favourite way to reduce your grocery budget?

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*https://globalnews.ca/news/7508030/canadian-families-groceries-cost-2021/