I hope we can start a new thread of posting some recipes that may have helped us along the way to our weight loss journey. The recipes could range from appetizers to desserts, and everything in between!

I think it would be really great to offer different options. We kind of get stuck in a rut sometimes and a new recipe may just give us an unexpected boost with new ideas and new flavours!

I just thought of this idea and I would like to start off with 'Cholay' - a North Indian main dish of chickpeas. It can be eaten with chapati (unleavened flat bread, resembling a tortilla), naan or rice. Personally I wouldn't eat rice with it.

Cholay

2 tins garbanzo beans drained and rinsed
1 med. onion diced
1/4 tsp. cumin seeds (optional)
1 small tomato pureed or 1 tbsp. tomato paste
3/4-1 tsp salt
1/2-3/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1/4 tsp turmeric (optional)
1 tsp garam masala (a blend of various spices that can be bought at any Indian store or in the international aisle of the supermarket)

Coat the bottom of a medium size saucepan with vegetable oil. Add the diced onions and cumin seeds and saute until golden brown. Add the spices and stir for 30 seconds. Add a little water, about three tablespoons, to stop the spices from cooking any longer. Add the tomato puree and cook to incorporate the spices into the tomato. Once done, add the drained chickpeas and mix. Determine how 'soupy' you want the 'curry' to be and add water accordingly. Cover and simmer on low until the chickpeas are cooked through and get very soft.

Garnish with chopped coriander if you like and enjoy.

This is a source of pure protein and is quite filling.

I hope you like it. It's simple and straight forward. It doesn't have extra ingredients and, cooked this way, it is considered as a comfort food.