It’s spooky season! Break out the candy for the kids and start prepping for that Halloween party! But be careful! This is the time of year when sweets try to take a hold of our dieting reigns and steer us towards the sugary side. How about a healthier solution this year? Something that’ll taste like a treat but will have the jam-packed nutrients of a small salad? The secret? CHICKPEAS!
I know what you’re thinking… How are you going to make chickpeas into a candy?? Dark Chocolate!
Dark chocolate has a sweet taste but is known for its healthier protein properties. Often, you’ll see runners eating a dark chocolate bar after a race to meet that sweet craving and cover their bases for post workout recovery.
The big health highlight here is in the chickpeas however. Chickpeas are an excellent source of protein, which has a variety of health benefits, ranging from weight management to bone health to muscle retention. These little peas are great for dieters because they are so low in calories! And if you’re a diabetic, these little plants pack a big punch for managing sugar levels! And one of the next best pieces of info for any shopper is that chickpeas are typically inexpensive… SO STOCK UP! These snacks won’t break the bank!
Now that you know there’s nothing to fear other than the neighborhood kid’s costumes, enjoy this sweet treat!
CHICKPEA PROTEIN CHOCOLATE CANDY
Total time: 1h 10m
Makes: 12 candies
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 Cans 15oz / 400ml Chickpeas, in water
- 1 cup / 150g Dark Chocolate Chips
- METHOD
- Pre-heat oven to 350F / 180C.
- Drain and rinse the chickpeas then spread flat on an oven pan lined with greaseproof paper.
- Bake for about 50-60 mins, tossing every 15 mins until bone dry.
- Take out of the oven and place in a bowl with the chocolate and stir using the residual heat to melt.
- Spoon the chocolate protein candy onto greaseproof paper using a dessert or tablespoon and chill to set.
- They will last for several weeks in an airtight container if the chickpeas are dried thoroughly in the oven. I tend to keep in the fridge and enjoy protein candy within a few days just in case I left too much moisture in the chickpeas.
- Place onto a plate and chill in fridge for at least one hour. You can store the energy bites in the fridge in an airtight container for up to a week.
