Chickpea Cumin Avocado Toast
Elevate your avocado toast with roasted chickpeas seasoned with cumin. Cumin is used in a variety of ways and is most known for its potent seed. Most often, cumin seed is ground and sprinkled into food as a seasoning and aromatic spice.
Cumin is an incredibly versatile spice, with a number of health benefits. It is native to the Eastern Mediterranean and is traditionally medicinal due to its ability to fight infections. Throughout the different regions of the world it is used differently, however, one commonality is that cumin is known to aid in digestion.
Aids in Digestion:
Cumin is a spice that is high in fiber and stimulates digestion. It helps fight constipation and has been known to improve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Not only does incorporating it into your food help, but the regular use of cumin essential oils has been shown to help alleviate the symptoms.
Boosts Immune System:
Cumin has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help in boosting your immune system. It also contributes to higher levels of vitamin C, which is also a contributor to a healthier and stronger immune system. It also has antibacterial properties that help keep food from spoiling.
Source of Iron:
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the world. Iron is critical in the function of your body, and your cognitive function. Iron helps in maintaining oxygen levels throughout your body. Your brain, for example, needs oxygen to function properly. If you are lacking in iron, your brain will not receive the proper amount of oxygen. This leads to memory loss and a decrease in productivity. Making iron-rich foods, like cumin, great for decreasing the risk of disorders like Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Boosts Respiratory Health:
Since cumin also has disinfectant properties, it also helps manage respiratory disorders. Cumin assists in clearing out the mucus in your airways, lungs and trachea. Once the mucus is cleared the cumin’s anti-inflammatory properties alleviate the initial condition, such as asthma.
For this recipe, I used fresh sourdough bread from a local bakery, The Daily, in Charleston, SC.
Sourdough bread is fermented bread. Fermentation is facilitated by healthy microbes (bacteria & yeast). Some people with gluten sensitivity might actually farewell with sourdough bread. The fermentation transforms the bread and causes the gluten to diminish substantially, making it easier to digest.
Chickpea Cumin Avocado Toast
Ingredients:
1/4 cup chickpeas, patted dry
1/2 avocado
Sourdough slice
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp dried basil
Salt and pepper to taste
Lime squeeze
Optional: Red chili flakes
Directions:
Heat a skillet with some olive oil and add chickpeas.
Add all seasonings and give it a good shake. Cook for about 5 minutes.
Toast your bread. Add avocado and chickpeas.
Finish with a lime squeeze!
If you make this recipe and enjoy it, be sure to tag @AKFunctionalNutrition on Instagram!