Summer is (nearly) here, and what better way to celebrate than with a delicious and healthy BBQ dish that will tantalise your taste buds and satisfy your hunger! Introducing my BBQ Chickpea Stuffed Sweet Potato – a dish that combines smoky, sweet, and spicy flavours all in one. The recipe features juicy chickpeas coated in a blend of herbs and spices to give that authentic BBQ flavour (but vegan!).
Perfect for outdoor gatherings, this dish is sure to be a hit among your friends and family!
I say these BBQ Chickpea Stuffed Sweet Potatoes are a summer dish, and they are, but I think it’s perfectly reasonable to consume them pretty much every day except maybe Christmas Day and Boxing Day. So let’s get in to the recipe!
Are Chickpeas Good For You?
Yes, chickpeas are highly nutritious and are considered a very healthy food (even BBQ Chickpea!). They are a good source of plant-based protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Chickpeas are also low in fat and contain a variety of important nutrients, including folate, iron, phosphorus, and manganese. They have been linked to numerous health benefits, such as improved digestion, lower cholesterol levels, and reduced risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Additionally, as a plant-based protein source, chickpeas are an excellent option for vegetarians and vegans. Overall, chickpeas are a versatile and healthy ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, stews, and curries, or even wedged between a sweet potato!
BBQ Chickpea Ingredients
If you’re going to make this delicious BBQ Chickpea Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, you’ll need the following:
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness to the dish and balances out the spicy and smoky flavors.
Chilli powder: Gives the dish a spicy kick and adds depth to the flavour profile.
Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky flavour to the dish and complements the other spices.
Soy sauce: Adds saltiness to the dish and brings out the umami flavour in the chickpeas.
Liquid smoke: Enhances the smoky flavour of the dish and adds a barbecue-like taste.
Tomato puree: Provides a rich and tangy flavour to the dish, and adds a smooth texture.
Garlic powder: Adds a pungent, savoury flavour to the dish.
Balsamic vinegar: Adds a tangy sweetness to the dish, and helps to balance the flavours.
Onion powder: Adds a mild sweetness and depth to the dish.
Dairy-free milk: Adds creaminess and helps to thicken the sauce, providing a smooth texture to the dish.
Cooked chickpeas: Provide a meaty texture and a nutty, earthy flavour to the dish, as well as being a great source of plant-based protein.
Cornflour slurry: Helps to thicken the sauce and provide a silky texture, but it’s not always necessary.
Sweet potatoes: Provide a natural sweetness and a starchy texture, which pairs well with the savoury filling and adds a nutritious element to the dish.
Vegan mayonnaise: Provides a creamy and tangy flavour to the dish, and pairs well with the garlic and lemon juice to make the dressing.
Garlic: Adds a pungent and savoury flavour to the dish, and also has numerous health benefits.
Lemon juice: Adds a tangy flavour to the dressing and helps to balance the other flavours.
Fresh coriander: Adds a fresh, citrusy flavour to the dish and a pop of colour, and is also a great source of antioxidants.
Spring onions: Provide a mild onion flavour and a crunchy texture, and add a burst of colour to the dish.
Overall, the BBQ Chickpea Stuffed Sweet Potato dish has a complex flavour profile, with smoky, spicy, sweet, and tangy flavours, and a variety of textures, from the creamy filling to the starchy sweet potatoes and the crunchy toppings. It’s also a nutritious dish, with plant-based protein, fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants.
BBQ Chickpea Stuffed Sweet Potato
Ingredients
For the BBQ Chickpeas
- 1.5 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Chilli Powder
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1.5 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2.5 tsp Liquid Smoke
- 1/2 Cup Tomato Puree
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 tsp Balsamic Vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 3/4 cup Dairy Free Milk choose a creamy one!
- 2 tins Cooked Chickpeas drained and rinsed
- Cornflour Slurry – 1 tsp Cornflour mixed with 3 tsp Cold Water (not always necessary)
For the Garlic Mayonnaise Dressing
- 3 tbsp Vegan Mayonnaise
- 1 clove Garlic minced
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Pinch of Salt
For the Sweet Potatoes
- 4 Sweet Potatoes
For the Toppings
- Fresh Coriander chopped
- Spring Onions sliced
Instructions
- Start by baking the sweet potatoes – prick with a fork and place in a microwave for 5-8 minutes (depending on the size of the potatoes). While in the microwave, turn your oven on to 200c
- Take the sweet potatoes from the microwave, rub with a little oil then place in the oven for 15-20 minutes (until soft inside and the skin is crisping up)
- To make the chickpeas, add the sauce ingredients to a bowl and stir until combined
- Add the sauce to a large pan along with the chickpeas and heat at medium-high until brought to a boil
- Reduce the heat to low-medium and simmer for 15 minutes until the sauce has thickened
- If at 15 minutes the sauce hasn't thickened sufficiently, add a cornflour slurry while stirring
- Make the garlic mayonnaise dressing by stirring the ingredients together until combined
- To complete the dish, cut open the baked sweet potatoes and stuff them with the BBQ chickpeas. Then drizzle over the garlic mayo dressing and sprinkle with chopped coriander and spring onions.
Is Garlic Sauce The Same As Garlic Mayo?
Garlic sauce and garlic mayo are not necessarily the same thing, as the specific ingredients and preparation can vary depending on the recipe or brand.
Garlic sauce typically refers to a sauce made with garlic as a key ingredient, along with other ingredients such as oil, lemon juice, vinegar, and various seasonings. Garlic sauce can be creamy or not, depending on the specific recipe.
Garlic mayo, on the other hand, is typically a mayonnaise-based sauce with garlic added for flavour. It usually consists of mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and salt, although different recipes may include additional ingredients like olive oil, mustard, or herbs.
So, to answer the question ‘is garlic sauce the same as garlic mayo?’, No. While both garlic sauce and garlic mayo may contain garlic as a key ingredient, they can differ in their specific ingredients, consistency, and flavour.
What Is The Flavour Of BBQ?
Odd question, but I’ll try my best to answer it!
The flavour of BBQ can vary depending on the specific type of BBQ and the region where it originated. However, generally speaking, BBQ has a smoky, savoury, and slightly sweet flavour. This is due to the slow cooking process over wood or charcoal, which imparts a smoky flavour to the meat, and the use of sauces or rubs that often contain ingredients like brown sugar, molasses, and spices, which contribute to the sweet and savoury notes. Additionally, some BBQ styles may have a tangy flavour from the use of vinegar or other acidic ingredients in the sauce or marinade.
The flavour of BBQ is complex and can vary widely depending on the specific ingredients and cooking techniques used. But for this BBQ Chickpea Stuffed Sweet Potato dish, I’ve tried to create, predominantly, a slightly smoky and savoury flavour.
Do Chickpeas Need To Be Boiled Before Roasting?
Chickpeas do not necessarily need to be boiled before roasting, but it is recommended to boil them for a few minutes to soften them and ensure they cook evenly during roasting.
Boiling chickpeas for about 10-15 minutes can help to break down their tough outer skin and make them more tender. After boiling, drain the chickpeas and pat them dry with a clean towel or paper towels before roasting.
Roasting chickpeas without boiling them first may result in uneven cooking, with some chickpeas remaining hard while others become overly crunchy or burnt. Boiling also helps to remove some of the anti-nutrients present in raw chickpeas, which can interfere with nutrient absorption.
Chickpea Inspired? Why Not Try My Chocolate Chickpea Bark?
If you liked my BBQ Chickpea recipe, you’ll love my chocolate chickpea bark
