I get asked a lot if I miss meat and dairy, and my answer is no but don't think I live a vegan lifestyle because I didn't like the taste of meat. I loved it. I grew up on a farm where I helped and saw animals be slaughtered and would later eat bacon and sausage almost everyday. My family knew how much I loved bacon cheese burgers with tons of mayo. I have seen the other side first hand, not just by watching films and documentaries. I lived it but as I child that's all I knew. You ate what you killed.
Today on the other hand, I have no desire to consume meat or dairy. The site and smell make me nauseous and very uncomfortable. I have learned to love other options and dont see my life any other way. I'm vegan, vegan for life.
I appreciate the flavors of foods and live my life for nutrition and I have many dreams, one of which is to become a vegan chef, own my own resturaunt and change the culinary world. Creating food is my passion and makes me happy even if I'm having a bad day. Today was no different, numerous exams and projects this week and I needed to take my mind off of it so I came up with this chickpea salad.
Chickpea salad is a perfect meal or snack. Packed with protein, vegetables, healthy fats and is very versatile.
Yields about 2 cups
1 can rinsed and drained chickpeas
1/3 cup diced red onion
1/3 cup finely diced red and green pepper
2 tbsp raw pumpkin seeds
2 tbsp grated carrots
8 tbsp avavado
1 tsp diced hot banana peppers (optional)
Juice of half a lemon
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Rinse and drain chickpeas. Cut all veggies. Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl and mix until avavado is evenly coating everything. Serve in a lettuce wrap, tortilla, stuffed pepper or just put of the bowl.
**** note: should be eaten right away. Doesn't stay as fresh if held longer.
