Chickpeas and lentils stew with bacon

    I found this recipe on Anna's table Instagram account and I fell in love with it from the first sight! Anything that has bacon in it is a big YES! but I also really like chickpeas so I had to try it! It's a mouthful of wonderful tastes, you HAVE to try it! Healthy and delicious! What are you waiting for? :D

Ingredients for 4 servings:

 - 100g bacon - diced 

- 1 can chickpeas, drained

- 1 can lentils, drained

- aprox. 50g spinach (fresh, if you can, I only found frozen one)

- 1 big carrot, cut into cubes

- 4 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 big onion, finely chopped

- 3 Tbsp oil

- 2 Tbsp tomato paste (I used tomato juice)

- 1 tsp each ground cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper

- 1 bay leaf

- 1 Tbsp lemon juice

- 1,5l chicken broth

SIDE:

- 4 slices of bread

- 4 slices of gouda or the cheese you have at home

- a bit of butter and 2 Tbsp oil

- black pepper

Steps:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add bacon, cook until golden brown and crispy. Stir occasionally. Remove from pot.

2. If the pot looks dry, add 2 tbsp oil. Add garlic and onion, sauté over low heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes. 

3. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika and black pepper. 

4. Add carrots, cook for 2 minutes. 

5. Pour the broth and bring to a boil. Add the bay leaf. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes over low heat.

6. Add the chickpeas, lentils and tomato paste and simmer for 5 minutes more. 

7. Add spinach and lemon juice, stir and turn off the heat. Put back the bacon in the pot.

8. For making the side toast: Heat a skillet over medium-low heat, add butter and olive oil. Place bread and toast until golden brown and crispy, about 5 minutes. Flip, top with cheese and continue to toast until cheese is melted, about 5 minutes more.

9. To serve: Divide stew among bowls. Place cheesy toast on top. Bon appetit!

Summery avocado chickpea salad with chicken skewers

   It's summer, so you might want to try a light dinner. I have the perfect idea! It's a new recipe from "Yum and yummer" recipe book written by Greta Podleski. Super healthy and super nutritious! I love all Greta's recipes! :) 

Here it goes:

Ingredients for 3-4 people:
Salad:
- 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 1/2 cups peeled, diced cucumbers
- 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup minced or thinly sliced red onions
- 1 medium avocado, diced
* my addition: a can of corn (God knows how much I love it :D)

Dressing:
- 2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp olive or sunflower oil
- 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tbsp minced fresh dill
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp pure maple syrup or liquid honey
- 1/4 tsp each sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Skewers:
- I bought marinated chicken skewers from Lidl, but you can marinate your own with chicken thighs or chicken breast

Steps:
1. In a large bowl, combine all salad ingredients, being careful not to squish the avocados.
2. Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a small bowl or measuring cup.
3. Pour over salad and mix well. Taste and add more salt and pepper if you like.
4. Grill your chicken skewers.
5. Serve immediately. Bon appetit! :)