My latest obsessions: chick peas and platform heels

I've been on sort of a frenzy with cooking with chickpeas and wearing platform heels. Chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans, are a semi-soft and have a nutty flavor to them. There is a good amount of protein and fiber in them, and they add great substance to vegetarian dishes.

















Here are a couple of recipes that I have personally tried that turned out great! I highly recommend Chana Masala which is an Indiana dish that looks like this:
















Chana Masala

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 large clove of garlic, minced
1 tablespoon curry
1 tablespoon tomato paste
15 oz can chick peas, drained, reserving 3 tablespoon liquid
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
fresh black pepper
crushed red pepper, optional to taste
1 tablespoon vegan margarine

Heat oil on medium high heat. Fry onions until slightly browned. Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic, curry, and paste. Stir and simmer about 2 minutes. Add chick peas, liquid, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Simmer 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add red pepper to taste. Add margarine, stirring through to melt it. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes more or until peas are softened and dish is hot. Serve over rice

And another recipe....

Southwestern Vegetarian Pasta

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen corn kernels, thawed
• 1 (12 ounce) package uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oil in a large, deep skillet. Saute onion, green pepper, garlic, chili powder and cumin. Stir in tomatoes, chickpeas and corn. Reduce heat to low and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, or until thickened and heated through.
2. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
3. Combine pasta and sauce. Sprinkle each serving with Monterey Jack cheese

I've also really been digging platform high heels. They add a lot of drama to an outfit because you can get away with a higher heel, and they make your legs look amazing. These are just like a pair that I have recently purchased from Charlotte Russe (they don't sell ANY leather shoes!)

I recommend buying these as long as the platform isn't too tall on them--you don't want to venture into the stripper shoe territory....