CHICKPEA KABOBS

Happy 4th of July! Warm weather, fireworks, and backyard bbq - nothing says summer quite like it. And best of all is getting to celebrate our freedom, our independence with family and friends. These chickpea kabobs are like a cherry on top of all the celebration on 4th of July. Spicy, savory, hint of sweet all at once...umm umm umm!! So healthy too! I do have to give my husband credit for these. It is he who inspired me to take the recipe we came up with together, and kick it up a notch. My little one has been eating these up everytime I have me made them. Equally enjoyed by adults too. Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful and safe 4th of July! Enjoy the fireworks. Do let me know how these work out for you.

SPICE MIX
3 Tablespoons Cumin Seeds, dry roasted
1 Tablespoon Coriander Seeds, dry roasted
1 Tablespoon Cloves, dry roasted
1 Tablespoon Cinnamon, powdered
1 Tablespoon Cayenne Pepper
1 Tablespoon Turmeric
1 Tablespoon Mace, powdered
Salt to taste

OTHER INGREDIENTS
1 Cups Chickpeas, (canned-no salt added)
2 Slices of Bread
1 Ripe Banana, sliced
1/2 Cup Carrots, diced
1/2 Cup Green peas, shelled
1/2 Cup Edamame, shelled
1/2 Cup Corn kernels
2 Cloves Garlic, paste
1 Green Chili, diced
1 Tablespoon Ginger, paste
1/2 Cup Cilantro, chopped
1/2 Cup Flaxseed, ground meal

GARNISH
1-2 Tablespoons Cilantro, chopped
1-2 Lemons, sliced

METHOD
1. Combine all the spices and grind them together in a spice grinder/food processor, and set aside.
2. Toast the 2 slices of bread and grind into crumbs in a food processor immediately after.
3. Add the chickpeas to the food processor, coarse grind.
4. Add the flaxseed, banana, cilantro, garlic, ginger, and green chili to the food processor.
5. Add 2 Tablespoons of the spice mixture to the food processor and mix.
6. Remove the above mixture into a mixing bowl and add all the remaining veggies and mix with hand.
7. Form small rounds by hand place on a baking sheet and refrigerate for a few hours.
8. Liberally apply olive oil to both sides of the kabobs and throw it on the grill or under your broiler (if you don't have an outdoor grill)
9. Let both sides brown slightly.
10. Serve it sprinkled with the cilantro and a squeeze of lemon.
11. Enjoy with a cold beer or any drink of choice. It is sure to please everyone.