Of course not! However I am talking chick peas because I think this is one of the foods that I went completely wrong with when I decided to become a vegan about six weeks ago.
I’m really quite proud of myself because becoming a vegetarian 26y years ago was fairly easy but giving up cheese. Giving up goats cheese, halloumi, mozzarella and a stilton with cranberry has taken mighty will power. For that I’m proud.
Back to chick peas. Where I feel I went wrong initially was stocking up on barley and quinoa and tofu and granola and of course chick peas. I had no idea what to do with them and for weeks I’d be struggling to find something to eat. About week 4 I had a little light bulb moment when I realised some things I ate were already vegan like err a banana! Or a jacket potato and oh yes my veggi curry and rice. Within another couple of weeks I realised a mint pea and spring onion risotto was deliciously vegan and my stuffed portobello mushrooms with garlic and lemon cous cous are vegan.
I breathed a sigh of relief as I realised that being a vegan didn’t mean that my meals only consisted of red lentils and a broad bean. Don’t get me wrong I’m obviously using the said pulses but I think the most off putting thing for people to become vegan is simply not knowing what to cook. Basically any food you eat now you can probably turn into a vegan dish. I’ve treated myself to some vegan parmesan cheese which I really think adds flavour to most dishes.
So… my point is some days it’s ok to have a baked potato with hummus and rocket and others you can go forth with the chick peas. Vegan life doesn’t have to be complicated unless we make it! I’ve actually never enjoyed my food so much. Chick pea or no chick pea!
Happy Saturday 😉
nowvegan 