Za'atar Roasted Chickpea & Freekeh Bowl

Freekeh - young roasted wheat with a distinctive smoky, chewy character - makes an excellent base for a grain bowl, especially once it's topped with za'atar-roasted chickpeas for crunch and a tahini-lemon sauce tying everything together.

Freekeh and chickpeas together deliver a substantial amount of fiber and plant protein, which supports both the heart-healthy tag and the diabetes-friendly one, since fiber-rich whole grains and legumes tend to have a gentler effect on blood sugar than refined grains. The olive oil and tahini contribute mostly unsaturated fats.

With protein from two different plant sources in one bowl, this makes a solid option for fueling an active lifestyle, and it's substantial enough on its own to support a weight-conscious lunch without feeling restrictive. Roast the chickpeas until properly crisp for the best texture contrast against the tender freekeh, and make extra of the tahini-lemon sauce - it keeps well in the fridge and is worth having on hand for salads and roasted vegetables throughout the week.