Plant Protein
When I tell people that I am a vegetarian, the invariable question comes up – “how do you get enough protein in your diet?”. My standard reply is: “I do not concern myself about how much protein I’m getting, any more than you worry about the perfect number of breaths you take in a day.”
Humor aside, the Western diet has led people to believe that protein is such an essential nutrient. And that one must actively pursue foods that contain high amounts of it, even when those foods, severely compromise our own health and the health of the planet in so many ways. I am referring specifically to factory raised/processed meat and dairy here.
It has also been grilled into us that only animal-based foods contain sufficient protein and, that we need to eat those foods to avoid becoming protein deficient.
This is far from reality. The reality is that protein deficiency is almost exclusively seen in people suffering from a calorie deficiency. In these cases, there is bound to be an overall nutrient deficiency, not just protein deficiency. When this happens, the concern should be getting more calories and all nutrients, and not just more protein.
Protein Needs & Sources
Just how much protein does a person need? The answer probably is – the amount that a diet of whole, plant-based foods provides. Most whole, plant-based foods have protein. People have thrived on plant-based diets for millennia, without ever going out of their way to find specific sources of protein. Indeed, we’ve evolved over millions of years without ever aiming for a “source” of this or any other nutrient.
The Plant Kingdom offers a plethora of protein-rich bounties. One among the list of the top 10 plant foods that have the highest amount of protein is garbanzos, also known as chickpeas. Part of the legume/lentil family, they contain both essential and non-essential amino acids, including globulin. Besides offering protein, chickpeas promote health via their starch content, insoluble dietary fiber, prebiotics, and potassium. To top it off, lentils are very inexpensive and super filling.
Usli laid out for a party
Usli or Sundal
Today’s recipe is Usli or Sundal – a classic South Indian snack-cum-breakfast that is served during the festive season of Dussera and Diwali. These festivals come around the later part of the year. Most recipes don’t call for any vegetables; in fact, my mom would wrinkle her nose at the idea of adding veggies to this traditional dish. In addition, freshly grated coconut is added at the very end. My recipe uses grated carrots AND the coconut is lightly fried, and these two simple changes take this dish up by several notches.
I make this usli when I have company for several reasons –
- it is easy to make,
- since it is gluten free, nut free, grain free and vegan, I don’t have to fret about it not suiting certain food preferences,
- it is a crowd-pleaser, in terms of its looks and flavor,
- and you’ve guessed this coming…. it’s healthy!
Garbanzo Varieties
There are two garbanzo bean varieties: the large, round, cream-colored “kabuli-type” usually found in canned chickpeas and salad bars, and the smaller, darker and less uniform “desi-type.” Both get high marks for versatility, but nutritionally, the darker the better.
I love to use dried chickpeas, especially if I have the opportunity to plan ahead for usli. The downside of using dry beans is that they need to be soaked overnight for a period of 8-10 hours before cooking them. Buying chickpeas in bulk rather than in tins is a more healthy and economical way of cooking. However, if you are in a bind, you can pick up BPA-free cans of garbanzos, wash and drain them well (some of them have a slimy residue), and they will pretty well serve the purpose.
If you love garbanzos/chickpeas, check out several of our featured recipes – both Indian and International: like
Easy and Healthy Snack Recipes
Check out several of our delicious recipes below:
- Cabbage Wada
- Delicious Veggie Poha Upma
- Spiced Purple Sweet Potato-Cauliflower Bake
- Stuffed Bell Peppers
- Baba Ghanoush
- Guacamole
- Sauteed Asparagus
- Soft Kefir-Quinoa Rawa Idli
- Wholesome Spicy Sprouts Dosa
- The BEST Open-Faced Veggie Sandwich
- No Ferment Cabbage Onion Dosa
- Whole Grain Hot Cereal
- Vegetable Masala Omelet with Guacamole
- Banana Avocado Smoothie
- Vegetable Uthappam
- Cracked Wheat Vegetable Upma
- Vermicelli Upma
- Uppudupindi
Low in saturated fat and very low in cholesterol and sodium, garbanzo beans contain high amounts of folate and manganese. You also get 29% each of the protein and copper you need, 28% phosphorus, 26% iron, and 20% magnesium. The fiber, thiamin, zinc and vitamin B6 are in healthy supply as well. It’s a perfect combination and one way to work toward optimum health. Whether canned or cooked from scratch, you get similar nutrients.
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Zesty Carrot-Garbanzo Usli
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Garbanzo Beans - Dried
- 1 Teaspoon Coconut Oil
- 1/4 Teaspoon Mustard Seeds
- 15 Curry Leaves - Destalked
- 3 Green Chili Pepper - Vary to taste
- 1/2 Cup Carrots - Grated
- 2 Tablespoon Grated Coconut
- 2 Teaspoon Lemon Juice - Or Lime juice
- 1/2 Teaspoon Sea Salt - Or to taste
- 1 Tablespoon Cilantro - Freshly chopped
Instructions
- Prep for the usli: 1. Wash dry garbanzos and soak them for 8-10 hours. Drain and pressure cook until soft, but not mushy; drain again and set aside. If using BPA-free canned garbanzos, wash and drain them.2. Cut green or red chilis lengthwise. Destalk curry leaves. 3. Grate carrots. 4. Thaw grated fresh coconut (if frozen).
- In a thick-bottom skillet, heat oil. Splutter mustard seeds. Add split chilis, curry leaves and sauté for a few seconds. Add grated carrots, grated coconut, salt and stir for 3 minutes.
- Added cooked garbanzo beans and mix well. Turn off the heat, add lime or lemon juice and finely chopped fresh cilantro. Serve hot or warm.
I love the smells and textures of this dish. What do you think about my adding one Tablespoon dried methi leaves to the curry leaves? I also used dried unsweetened coconut.
Thank you for your posts!
Hi Jayne, I love the idea of adding dried fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi)! Will try next time. I always have fresh grated coconut in stock, but dessicated coconut will work as well. Thanks for reading and for writing back.
Love this! One of my favorites served in Bangalore’s Barjari Oota!!
Haha! Your comment brought out some wonderful barjari oota memories in me. 🙂
Thanks for the recipe. Anything to suggest to replace the coconut for one who is allergic?
Skip the coconut, if you are allergic. The recipe will taste just as good, with all the other spices and tempering. Thanks for writing to us.
U can add finely chopped raw onion instead of coconut
I love that idea and will try. Thank you Sulochana! I hope Deb reads this suggestion.