Greek Roasted Chickpea Wrap

One of our favourite meals is Greek Roasted Chickpea Wraps. There is just something so delicious about crunchy cucumber, tomatoes, roasted chickpeas and that oh-so-good Tzatziki sauce. This is the perfect meal to make when you don’t have a lot of time. We love using either canned chickpeas tossed in spices and roasted, or simply using falafel balls as the main ingredient.

Either roasted, canned chickpeas (like in this recipe) or falafels, can be used in these wraps.

If you would rather not use chickpeas, falafels can be purchased frozen, or fresh in the deli section of most grocery stores. Look for baked, not deep fried falafels. You can also easily make your own falafels using chickpeas, onions, herbs and spices.

For this recipe, I just drained a can of chickpeas and tossed them with a tiny bit of olive oil and some spices. Then the mixture is baked in the oven for 20 minutes. The chickpeas become nice and crispy and flavourful.

The next step is to chop up the tomatoes, olives (if you like), red onion and cucumber and mix in some lemon, red wine vinegar and oregano.

Warm up a whole wheat naan bread, then add the chickpeas and veggies. Then, most importantly, glomp on the Tzatziki Sauce ! (click on the link for my easy recipe) It’s important not to use a non-vegan Tzatziki, as they contain yogourt and/or sour cream, which are both filled with animal hormones, saturated fat and cholesterol. You just don’t want that in your body. Read why dairy is so bad for you to remind yourself why you are eating plant-based…

My Tzatziki Sauce only takes a few minutes to make and any unused portion can be used as a dip for veggies or fries. Trust me, it won’t go to waste!

Why are chickpeas so nutritious?

Chickpeas are a legume which are high in fiber, protein, iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium.

Chickpeas also help lower cholesterol levels, which decreases the risk of heart disease. They can help to contribute to healthy bone structure and strength. As well, chickpeas contain antioxidants that help the body remove free radicals. Find out more about the healthy qualities of chickpeas here in an article on Medical News Today.

Greek Roasted Chickpea Wraps

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Serves: 4 Prep Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes 20 minutes

Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Ingredients

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 4 naan bread rounds, preferably whole wheat
• 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced
• 1/2 an english cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, diced
• 1/3 cup green or black olives, pitted and sliced
• 1 1/2 cups fresh spinach or other leaves, chopped
• 1 lemon, one half squeezed, the other half cut in wedges
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white or red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• SPICE MIX FOR CHICKPEAS:
• 5 teaspoons of store bought Greek spice
• OR mix together:
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• salt to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse and drain chickpeas and dry with a clean cloth.  Place in a small bowl.
3. In another small bowl, mix together the chickpea spices. (If you are using).  Alternatively, you can use pre-purchased Greek Seasoning.
4. Pour 1 tablespoon of olive oil onto the chickpeas then toss to coat.  Sprinkle on the spices and stir to mix.
5. Place the chickpeas on a baking sheet, lined with parchment paper, or a silicone mat and bake for 20 minutes, stirring half-way through.  Pop the naan bread, wrapped in foil or placed in a covered casserole dish in the oven for the last few minutes to warm them up.
6. Meanwhile, dice the cucumber, olives, tomatoes and onions.  Place them in a medium sized bowl and add the juice from half of the lemon and the vinegar. Add salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Stir and set aside.
7. Assemble the wraps, topping with Tzatziki Sauce.  Squeeze lemon wedges on to taste.
8. You can secure the wraps with a toothpick, or wrap one end with a square of tin-foil or parchment paper.  Or, to be more environmentally friendly, wrap them in a cloth napkin. 
9. Enjoy! 

                                           www.thevibrantveggie.com

Notes

Not into naan bread? Substitute a lighter plant-based wrap. To up the nutrient content, use collard greens!